“Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, ² as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, ³ and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. Luke 8:1-3

Jesus Christ made it his business to teach a new teaching – today we call it the Gospel – the Good News of the Kingdom of G-d. Perhaps it is better to call it the “Reign of G-d”. This reign is like nothing we have ever encountered in this life – a reign that is filled with glad tidings, good news, and a new way to live and to love.

There were certain women who were among the disciples, who were among those who followed Jesus, who provided from their own resources for his disciples, and were indeed included as disciples themselves. This inclusion means that Jesus welcomed both men and women to serve, to minister, and to share out of their individual gifts. Today we make distinctions between people – distinctions among gender, race and culture – Jesus makes no such distinctions in the Kingdom of G-d.

Everyone is welcome in the Kingdom of G-d – and every disciple is welcome in the mission field.

Pastor Dave