KNOWN AS THE WIFE OF CHUZA, HEROD’S STEWARD
Luke 8:2, 3; Luke 23:49, 55; Luke 24:10
IMAGINE: Going from a high ranking, wealthy woman in the self-proclaimed “king” Herod’s court, to being healed and set apart for the high Heavenly court of the real King, King Jesus.
Soon afterwards He was traveling
from one town and village to
another, preaching and telling the
good news of the kingdom of God. The
Twelve were with Him, and also some
women who had been healed of evil
spirits and sicknesses: Mary, called
Magdalene (seven demons had come
out of her); Joanna, the wife of Chuza,
Herod’s steward; Susanna and many
others who were supporting them
from their possessions.
Luke 8:1-3
This is the first introduction of Joanna, and Luke is the only Gospel writer who mentions her by name. There is no background on her other than she was married to Chuza, Herod’s steward and that she was healed by Jesus. Her family heritage, age or how and when her death occurred are unknown. Scripture is also silent as to when, where or how she came to know and be healed by Jesus.
It is unknown as to whether she was demon possessed, mentally ill, or physically disabled. It is safe to say it was enough of a significant nature not to have been cured by conventional measures. Scripture is clear she was restored to good health by Christ, thus she willingly gave her life to Him.
Much is unknown about this devoted follower of Christ or when she began this journey with Him. There are, however, a few mentioned circumstances concerning her so as to glean how her life must have been. She is referenced, as the “wife of Chuza”, Herod’s steward. Chuza means “seer”, “wise man”, or “prophet”. Indeed, to maintain all of Herod’s holdings would have taken a man of high intelligence and ability to appease those of the Herodian dynasty.
Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great. He was not a real king, although called such in Mark’s account concerning him. He actually was nothing more than a simple ruler under Roman authority. To be the steward of such a cruel and Godless man would have been no small task. As steward, he would have been in charge of all domestic affairs concerning this wicked family.
Herod had married his brother’s wife, Herodias, who was one of the most evil women ever to have existed. At her beckoning, Herod Antipas had John the Baptist beheaded. Chuza and Joanna were working for and living among the most incestuous, adulterous, murderous family, going back for generations.
It is not unreasonable to believe that Chuza was present when Herod held a great banquet on his birthday for nobles, military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. It was at this feast that Herod had John the Baptist beheaded at the unreasonable demand of his wife through her daughter.
Joanna had a front row seat to the continuous evil deeds of Herod and his wife Herodias. She also may have been privy to John the Baptist’s teachings of Jesus and his rebukes of Herod’s life style.
Scripture is silent as to whether Chuza left his employment, taking his wife with him, at the time of this circumstance. It is unknown if he was still alive when Joanna was healed and chose to align herself with poor fishermen instead of continuing on with the rich, and powerful. Did he just remain employed by Herod but was sympathetic to the Gospel? It is recorded that his wife Joanna did indeed follow and minister to Christ from her possessions. According to the Jewish Law of property and marriage, she would have been unable to accomplish such a feat without her husband’s consent, if indeed he was still living. Just as Paul wrote of the saints in Caesar’s household, that he had been given opportunity to witness to concerning Christ, hopefully Joanna was given opportunity to witness to those of the household of Herod.
Joanna appears to be an extremely brave, generous, and compassionate woman and assuredly had many friends and acquaintances within Herod’s court. It would reason that she would have wanted to share the good news of Jesus with these people who were probably aware of His healing of her infirmities.
Nothing is actually recorded of Joanna’s life within Herod’s court, so all is speculation. What is known is Herod did many evil things and living in his court was probably very unsettling for Joanna.
The importance of Joanna’s life is wrapped up in Jesus. She followed and helped to sustain His ministry with her possessions as has been told. She also was at His death.
But all who knew Him, including
the women who had followed Him
from Galilee, stood at a distance,
watching these things.
Luke 23:49
As Jesus breathed His last (Lk. 23:46) Joanna was there. As the disciples fled, Joanna stayed. As the crowds quickly dispersed, Joanna stood her ground. She maintained her position for His burial.
The women who had come with Him from
Galilee followed along and observed
the tomb and how His body was placed.
Lk. 23:55
After Jesus’ brutal death, Joanna along with some of the other women, prepared spices and ointments for His body. (Lk 23:56). Jesus had cured her body, her soul, her spirit thus not only did she love and minister to Him in life, but also in death, as she came to the tomb to minister to His needs as her “last respect” for her Savior.
After the Passover, Joanna went with the other women to anoint the body of Jesus and give Him a proper burial. When they arrived, they were stunned because the stone had been rolled away and perplexed as they noticed His body was gone. But, even more extraordinary was the presence of angelic guardians proclaiming, “He is not here, but is risen” (Lk. 24:6).
Jesus had shared with His disciples that He must be turned over to sinful men, crucified, and rise on the third day. (Lk. 24:7). Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, along with Joanna remembered His words and became the first to tell of the good news of the resurrected Christ.
Joanna was among those last at the cross. She was first among those to witness an empty tomb. Most of all she was one of the first to proclaim the risen Savior.
Scripture does not report what her faith cost her concerning her marriage or her status within Herod’s court. At that time many, if not most, considered this small band of women silly, foolish, and possibly even decadent for following a group of rugged fishermen all around the countryside.
Joanna loved and provided for Jesus in spite of the risks involved. As mentioned, Luke is the only Gospel writer to mention Joanna by name. Scholars believe she, along with Herod’s foster brother, Manaen, were Luke’s source for information concerning the Herodian family.
We, like Joanna, have no way of knowing what part of our life, will have an impact on generations that follow. We might have more information than we know – we just have to share.
Whether walking alone or running in a group we, like Joanna, just need to tell our story and let God use it how he chooses. Especially since he is the one who gave us our story to tell.
Something to consider:
Is what you are living for,
worth Christ dying for?
Leonard Ravenhill.
BIBLICAL PEOPLE 