Women Following Jesus

How Jesus Embodied Kindness Here

In this brief passage, we witness Jesus's profound kindness manifested not through grand gestures, but through radical inclusion and patient ministry. Luke tells us that Jesus went "throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God," but the remarkable detail comes in verses 2-3: women were not merely recipients of his teaching, but active participants in his ministry.

The kindness here is revolutionary. In first-century Palestine, religious teachers rarely allowed women to travel with them, and certainly not women with questionable backgrounds. Yet Jesus welcomed "certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities." Mary Magdalene had been delivered from "seven devils"—a description that would have made her a social outcast. Joanna was married to Herod's steward, connecting her to a politically compromised household. Susanna and "many others" represent countless women whose stories we'll never fully know.

Jesus's kindness wasn't merely tolerant—it was transformative. These women weren't charity cases trailing behind; they "ministered unto him of their substance." The Greek word for "ministered" (diakoneō) indicates active service, the same root used for deacons. Jesus didn't just heal these women and send them away; he invited them into purposeful partnership. His kindness created space for their gifts to flourish.

The cultural context sharpens this picture. Women in this era had limited public roles and were often defined by their relationships to men or their past failures. Jesus's kindness cut through these barriers, seeing not what society labeled them, but who God created them to be. This wasn't sentimentality—it was useful goodness (chrēstotēs) that restored dignity and purpose.

Following His Example

First, practice inclusive kindness in your own spheres of influence. Look for people who might be overlooked or marginalized in your workplace, community, or even your church. Jesus didn't just notice these women; he created space for their participation. This might mean advocating for a colleague who's been sidelined, inviting someone new to join your small group, or simply asking for input from someone whose voice isn't often heard. True kindness creates opportunities for others to contribute, not just receive.

Second, separate people from their past when extending kindness. Mary Magdalene's seven demons could have defined her forever, but Jesus saw her present potential rather than her past problems. When someone has a difficult history—whether addiction, divorce, job loss, or moral failure—choose to engage with who they're becoming rather than who they've been. This doesn't mean naivety about consequences, but it does mean refusing to let past mistakes determine present possibilities.

Third, make your kindness practically useful. These women "ministered unto him of their substance"—Jesus's kindness had restored them to the point where they could give back meaningfully. True kindness doesn't create dependency; it restores capacity. When helping others, ask not just "How can I solve this problem?" but "How can I help them develop the strength to contribute?" Whether mentoring someone professionally, supporting someone financially, or encouraging someone spiritually, aim for kindness that builds rather than just bandages.

Echoes in Other Traditions

This pattern of transformative kindness that sees beyond social barriers and past failures resonates across spiritual traditions. From Buddhism's emphasis on compassionate action that alleviates suffering, to Islam's teaching about showing mercy especially to the marginalized, to Confucian ideals of benevolence that recognizes the inherent worth in all people, wisdom traditions consistently point toward kindness as both healing balm and transformative force. The principle that true kindness restores dignity and purpose rather than merely providing temporary relief appears throughout human spiritual insight.