Pentecost Week Ten - Sowing - Receiving - Living the Word

Intro to this week -  "Sowing, Receiving, and Living God's Word"
 This week, we’re focusing on Luke 8:1-21, a section that calls us to hear, receive, and live out God’s Word in powerful ways.

Here’s the big picture:

• Sowing the Word: God’s Word is generously made available to everyone.
• Receiving the Word: How we respond to God’s Word depends on the condition of our hearts.
• Living the Word: When we hear and obey, our lives bear fruit and reflect God’s light to the world.

This week’s reading plan will guide us through these themes step by step. Each day, we’ll reflect on how Jesus’ teachings challenge us to examine our hearts, embrace God’s truth, and live it out. By Sunday, these reflections will tie together into the message I’ll preach.

How to Engage:

1. Read today’s scripture in the CMC App. The reading plan is under the Bible icon at the bottom.
2. Come back here to reflect. Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s learn from each other as we walk through this passage.

Monday - Proclaiming the Good News

Welcome back to Luke! After last week’s detour, we’re diving into Luke 8:1-3, and wow, what a passage to start the week. I am a huge fan of the parables and this chapter is a nice primer on what they are and how they work.

We need to remember that Luke is a counterculture Superfan!  He loves what Jesus is doing.  As we move forward in Luke over the next many weeks – I will point out how the parables are not always what you think – much of it is code talk to keep the Pharisees at bay! Neat hunh!

So, let’s go!  Jesus is on the move, proclaiming the Kingdom of God, but what grabs our attention today is who’s with Him.

Alongside the Twelve, we see an extraordinary group of women: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and others. These women aren’t just tagging along—they’re actively supporting Jesus’ ministry with their own resources. In a world where women were often pushed to the margins, this moment is groundbreaking. (This is why I love Luke – He is not Jewish and does not subscribe to the marginalization of women ethos of that time).

Luke makes it a point to highlight these women. But what does their involvement teach us about hearing, receiving, and living God’s Word today?

What Was Happening in Judea?
First-century Judea wasn’t an easy place to live, especially if you were a woman. Society was deeply patriarchal, meaning men held most of the power—in politics, religion, and the home. Women were largely confined to domestic roles and had little public influence.

Religious life mirrored this imbalance. Rabbis didn’t typically teach women, and they certainly didn’t include them in their inner circles. Women were often seen as secondary, their value tied to their roles as wives and mothers.

And yet, here we have Jesus, a rabbi, traveling with women—not just as bystanders but as active participants in His ministry.

• Mary Magdalene had been delivered from seven demons, a powerful testimony of transformation.
• Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward, came from a position of privilege but chose to use her resources to support Jesus.
• Susanna, though we know little about her, is listed by name—a detail that underscores her importance. (Luke always gives names where he can as that would allowed the events to be confirmed by others during that time period!)

This was unheard of. Rabbis didn’t travel with women, much less rely on them for financial and practical support. But Jesus wasn’t like other rabbis. His ministry was all about breaking barriers—social, cultural, and spiritual.

Why Does This Matter to Us?
What strikes me most about this passage is how Jesus saw these women. He didn’t define them by their pasts, their social status, or the limitations placed on them by society. He saw their faith, their potential, and their willingness to serve.

Doesn’t that sound like the heart of the Gospel? Jesus sees us the same way. He doesn’t define us by our mistakes, our struggles, or what the world says we’re capable of. He invites each of us—no matter who we are or where we come from—to be part of His Kingdom work.

And here’s the challenge for us: Are we willing to step into that invitation? These women gave what they had—whether it was resources, time, or a heart ready to follow. What do you have to give? Maybe it’s your story of transformation, like Mary. Maybe it’s your resources, like Joanna. Or maybe it’s simply your willingness to say, “Here I am, Lord. Use me.”

Reflection and Prayer
Take a moment to reflect on this passage. Jesus didn’t sideline these women; He gave them a seat at the table. It’s a reminder to each of us that God sees us, values us, and calls us to be part of His work in the world.

Who in your life might feel unseen or undervalued? How can you reflect Jesus’ heart by inviting them into the story of God’s love? – Or maybe into a small group!

A Monday Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for seeing each of us—not as the world sees us, but as You created us to be.
Thank You for breaking down barriers and inviting us into Your mission, no matter our past, our status, or our shortcomings.
Help us to follow the example of Mary, Joanna, and Susanna, giving what we have to support the work of Your Kingdom.
Open our eyes to those around us who feel unseen, and give us the courage to love them as You do.
We trust You, Lord. Use us in Your story.
Amen.