Do you know who Joanna in the Bible was? Do you recognize the name from Scripture? Although the Bible doesn’t mention many details about Joanna, we can learn about a part of her life and her commitment to Jesus.
The Bible contains accounts of numerous individuals who were healed by Jesus, and Joanna was one among them. Many of these individuals played crucial roles in spreading the Gospel, and studying their lives through Scripture offers a great opportunity to learn more about Joanna and others whose lives were transformed when they accepted Jesus Christ. Each person had a unique journey, and these accounts provide valuable insights into their experiences.
Who Was Joanna in the Bible?
Joanna is mentioned in the Bible in the Gospel of Luke. She is cited as one of the women healed by Jesus and as a supporter of His ministry, along with several other women. Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, is notable for her presence at key moments in Jesus' life, including His crucifixion and resurrection. Specifically, she is listed among the women who discovered the empty tomb. Her involvement highlights the vital role of women in Jesus' ministry and the early Christian community.
Joanna in the Bible is noted for being healed by Jesus from "evil spirits and diseases" and subsequently followed Him, providing support for His ministry from her own resources. She was the wife of Chuza, the steward of Herod Antipas' household, which positioned her within an influential social standing.
Joanna is only mentioned in two verses in the Bible. Yet, she had an important role in Scripture and in sharing the message of God.
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. (Luke 8:1-3 NIV)
He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."
And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. (Luke 24:6-11)
The book of Luke shares how Jesus traveled from town to town and proclaimed the Gospel's good news. He was not alone. Crowds often gathered around Jesus to hear Him preach. The 12 disciples were with Jesus, too. Accompanying Jesus were other people who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among the women following Him were Mary (called Magdalene), Joanna, the wife of Cuza, Susanna, and many others. According to Scripture, these women helped support Jesus with their own means. Joanna was married to a man who had a powerful position. He served Herod. Wealth and resources were part of her life. Yet, she chose to follow Christ and help lead others to Him.
Joanna, the wife of Cuza, was a follower of Jesus, even though her husband Cuza was the manager of Herod’s household. Herod was a strong opponent of Jesus. Joanna was married to King Herod’s steward, which could have caused tension in her marriage. Joanna was healed by Jesus which led her to follow Him. She probably knew the consequences of going against her husband, but her love for the Lord was stronger. Her faith allowed her to become a follower of Jesus and continue sharing His message.
Joanna was there when the tomb of Jesus was rolled away after the crucifixion (Luke 24:9-10 NIV). Can you picture the sights, sounds, and emotions of those moments? She had helped prepare the items needed to anoint His body, but when the stone was rolled away, Jesus was not there. He had risen. The surprise and awe of the empty tomb indeed had a profound effect on the women who had expected the body of Jesus to be inside.
As the women wondered where the savior had gone, they were startled by two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning (Luke 24:5-7 NIV). The women remembered the words of Jesus. They went and told the apostles the news that Jesus had risen.
What Did Joanna Do before and after Jesus’ Ministry?
Although we don’t learn in Scripture about the early years of Joanna, or about her family, her upbringing, or even the color of her hair, we can glean from reading the Bible that she was a dedicated servant of the Lord.
Joanna married Cuza, who served Herod. That meant Joanna had a wealthy husband.
Jesus healed Joanna. The Bible doesn’t tell us if the healing was of evil spirits or disease. By not knowing the exact thing she was healed from, the importance is placed on the healing and not what she was healed from.
Once Jesus had healed Joanna, she became a follower of Him. Her wealth may have helped provide funds to help care for the Lord.
Joanna had the courage to go against the beliefs of Herod. She was a firm believer in Christ. Her faith and dedication to the Lord showed as she shared His love.
After Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again on the third day, Joanna went to help anoint His body. When she and the other women learned He was not in the tomb but had risen, they went to share the good news with the apostles.
Her dedication to the Lord was while He lived, after He was crucified, and continued after He had risen from the tomb.
The Importance of "Obscure" People in the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word. He chose specific people to be able to record the happenings of the world and to inspire others to further the kingdom of God. Some people named in the Bible have huge roles in history. Other people are not named, yet their purpose is equally important.
Scripture shares details about the angel sharing the good news that Mary was expecting a baby. We read about the journeys Mary and Joseph took to secure the safety of their newborn son. The Bible tells more details about Mary than her family. Also, the Bible tells many stories about people who learned to lean on God. From Moses to Noah to the tax collector Matthew and many more, each person found their way by having faith and trust in God.
Jesus healed the woman who had a bleeding issue for many years. She touched the hem of His garment and was healed. Her faith in Him was evident.
By learning about obscure people in the Bible, we can realize God can use anyone to bring others closer to Him. We are not required to have theological training, a wealth of money, or even to have a high intelligence.
God calls us to love Him and share the Gospel's good news (Mark 12:30 NIV).
He uniquely creates every person. Every person has a purpose.
We can learn more about people who lived before, during, and after Jesus by reading Scripture.
God reminds us that He can use flawed and sinful people to change the world. We can go to Him at any time and ask for forgiveness.
20 Important Life Lessons from Joanna in the Bible
Do not worship people. Worship God.
The wealth or poverty of a person doesn’t make them a more powerful follower of God.
God can use anyone to further His kingdom.
The world doesn’t need to know our name or anything about us in order for the word of God to be shared.
God created everyone with unique gifts and talents.
There may be times of heartache and hardship when sharing the Gospel.
Jesus can still heal today. His mercies are never-ending.
Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is what we are called to do.
When we have the opportunity to tell others about Christ, we can ask God for help in sharing the correct words. He is always listening.
Share fellowship with other believers.
No life is wasted. Every person has the ability to accept Jesus as their Savior, no matter what they have done in the past.
When things don’t happen the way we expect, know that God has a plan.
God’s plan is always best.
When in doubt, pray.
God knows each of His children.
You don’t have to be a celebrity or a powerful speaker to share God’s message.
Remember the love that God has for you.
Fellowship with other believers can give us strength as we share the love of God.
Continue to share your faith story.
Thank God for healing, mercy, and His love.
Joanna may be a new person for you to learn about, or you may have already studied her life and time of following Jesus. There are a variety of people named and some not named in the Bible, yet they all are vital in helping us tell others about God and His love. Lessons can be learned from each word in Scripture.
Is Joanna a person you would like to know more about? Remember you have a unique story, too.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Further Reading
Why Joanna Teaches Us about the Importance of Supporting Missionaries
Who Was Joanna, One of the Women Who Followed Jesus?
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Takako Watanabe
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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