Joanna, Susanna, and the many other women who followed Jesus played critical roles in His ministry, yet they’re often overlooked. These women weren’t just passive observers—they were healed by Jesus, traveled with Him, and financially supported His work out of their own resources. Luke 8:1–3 highlights their presence, naming Joanna (a politically connected woman of wealth) and Susanna, along with “many others,” showing that women were active, committed disciples from the very beginning.
Their stories remind us that discipleship isn’t limited by gender or status. Whether behind the scenes or on the front lines, every follower has a place in God’s work. These women’s faith, generosity, and courage are still relevant today. Keep reading for a deeper dive into their lives and the powerful lessons they offer for your own walk with Christ.
When people talk about Jesus and His followers, names like Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene usually come up. But there’s a whole group of women who rarely get the spotlight — women like Joanna, Susanna, and others who played key roles in Jesus’ ministry. These women weren’t just passive bystanders; they were active supporters, disciples, and even witnesses to His resurrection.
If you’ve never really paid attention to these names, you’re not alone. But you should, because their stories matter. Let’s dig into who they were, what they did, and why they’re important — both historically and spiritually.
1. Luke 8: The Forgotten Verse That Introduces Them
Most of what we know about Joanna and Susanna comes from Luke 8:1–3:
“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)… 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)
Let’s break this down:
- Mary Magdalene – Most people know her, but often for the wrong reasons.
- Joanna – Wife of Chuza, who worked directly for Herod Antipas.
- Susanna – We don’t know much about her except that she was a devoted supporter.
- “Many others” – That’s right, there were more, unnamed women who also followed.
These weren’t just fans or casual followers. These women traveled with Jesus and funded His ministry. That’s a huge deal in a society where women weren’t usually seen as leaders or independent actors.
2. Who Was Joanna?
Joanna is one of the most fascinating women in the New Testament. Luke tells us she was the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager. This tells us two important things:
- She had access to money.
- She had access to power.
Herod Antipas was a major political figure. Chuza would’ve been part of the inner circle, managing estates and finances. So Joanna came from a position of privilege. But she used that status to support Jesus — someone her husband’s boss (Herod) didn’t like.
Also, according to Luke, Joanna had been healed by Jesus. We’re not told of what, but it was serious enough that she left everything to follow Him.
Why Joanna Matters
Joanna shows us what it looks like to use your influence and resources for the kingdom of God. She could’ve stayed in luxury. Instead, she traveled dusty roads, funded a controversial teacher, and stuck with Him through the end.
She’s also likely one of the women at the tomb in Luke 24:10:
“It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.”
That’s right — Joanna was among the first to witness and announce the resurrection. That’s a big theological moment, and she was there.
3. Who Was Susanna?
Unlike Joanna, we know very little about Susanna. Luke simply includes her name alongside Mary and Joanna. But her inclusion is meaningful. First-century writers didn’t name-drop unless it mattered.
Here’s what we can safely assume:
- She had been healed by Jesus.
- She traveled with Him.
- She gave financial support for His work.
That’s already more than many people in the Bible. Susanna reminds us that not every follower needs a spotlight. Some disciples quietly serve, give, and support — but their role is just as vital.
4. What About the “Many Other Women”?
Luke doesn’t give their names, but he makes sure you know they existed. These unnamed women likely include:
- Salome, who was at the crucifixion (Mark 15:40).
- Mary, mother of James and Joses (Matthew 27:56).
- Possibly the sisters of Lazarus — Mary and Martha (John 11).
The fact that Luke says “many others” is telling. Jesus didn’t just travel with 12 men. His ministry was diverse — men, women, rich, poor, educated, outcasts. That’s what the early church looked like too.
5. Why These Women Are Often Overlooked
There are a few reasons these women don’t get more attention:
- Cultural norms – In the ancient world, women weren’t often highlighted in historical records.
- Church history – Over time, male disciples were emphasized, while female followers faded into the background.
- Misunderstandings – Some assume women in the Bible only had domestic roles. That’s false.
But Luke, more than any other Gospel writer, made a point of including women. He gives us their names. He tells us their stories. He makes it clear: Women were disciples too.
6. What We Learn From These Women Today
So what does all this mean for you?
1. Discipleship isn’t gendered.
Jesus didn’t limit discipleship to men. These women followed Him, supported Him, and were entrusted with huge responsibilities — like proclaiming the resurrection.
2. Your support matters.
You may not preach from a pulpit, but your resources, skills, and presence can fuel the work of God’s kingdom. Joanna and Susanna didn’t just follow — they gave.
3. Faith requires sacrifice.
These women gave up status, comfort, and probably faced serious social criticism. But they knew what mattered most.
4. God sees the overlooked.
Even when people forget your name, God doesn’t. Luke remembered Joanna, Susanna, and the “many others.” Your quiet faithfulness matters.
7. Final Thoughts
Joanna, Susanna, and the many unnamed women who followed Jesus are essential to the Gospel story. They weren’t just there to “help out” — they were full-fledged disciples, contributors, and eyewitnesses. The early church wouldn’t have been the same without them.
If you’re ever tempted to think your role doesn’t matter because it’s not public or dramatic, remember these women. They’re proof that real ministry often happens behind the scenes — and God writes those names into His eternal story.
Key Takeaways
- Joanna: Wealthy, politically connected, healed by Jesus, funded His ministry, and witnessed the resurrection.
- Susanna: Faithful, generous, healed, traveled with Jesus.
- Many other women: Unnamed but vital disciples and supporters.
- Luke 8:1–3 is your go-to passage to learn about these women.
- They remind us that discipleship includes everyone — and every role counts.
If this topic intrigued you, go deeper into Luke’s Gospel. Pay attention to the women. They were always there — not just watching, but working, giving, and believing. And they still inspire us today.
FAQs: Joanna, Susanna, and Other Overlooked Women Who Followed Jesus
1. Who were Joanna and Susanna in the Bible?
Joanna and Susanna were two women mentioned in Luke 8:1–3 who followed Jesus, had been healed by Him, and supported His ministry financially. Joanna was the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna is listed alongside her as a faithful follower.
2. What does the Bible say about women following Jesus?
Luke 8:1–3 and Luke 24:10 make it clear that many women followed Jesus, supported His ministry, and were present during key events like the crucifixion and resurrection. They weren’t just bystanders—they were active disciples.
3. Why are Joanna and Susanna often overlooked in sermons and Bible studies?
They’re overlooked because their stories are brief and often overshadowed by more well-known figures like Mary Magdalene. Cultural and historical biases have also contributed to focusing more on male disciples.
4. What role did these women play in Jesus’ ministry?
They traveled with Jesus, provided financial support, and were among the first to witness and announce His resurrection. Their role was essential for the practical and spiritual continuation of Jesus’ mission.
5. Was Joanna present at Jesus’ resurrection?
Yes. Luke 24:10 lists Joanna as one of the women who went to the tomb and discovered it empty. She was among the first witnesses of the resurrection, entrusted to tell the apostles.
6. How did Joanna’s connection to Herod’s household impact her following Jesus?
As the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, Joanna likely had wealth and access to political power. Her decision to follow Jesus would have been socially risky and spiritually bold, showing deep commitment.
7. What can modern believers learn from Joanna and Susanna?
They show that faithful service, generosity, and discipleship come in many forms. Whether seen or unseen, their support of Jesus’ mission reminds us that every contribution to the Kingdom matters.
8. Are there other overlooked women in the Bible who followed Jesus?
Yes. Salome, Mary the mother of James, Mary and Martha of Bethany, and others are also often overlooked. They played significant roles as disciples, supporters, and witnesses to key events.
9. What does “supporting Jesus out of their own means” mean in Luke 8:3?
It means these women used their own financial resources to fund Jesus’ travels, teachings, and daily needs. They were patrons of His ministry—an uncommon role for women at the time.
10. Why is it important to talk about these women today?
Because their stories challenge stereotypes and broaden our understanding of who Jesus welcomed as disciples. They remind us that God uses both men and women to lead, serve, and spread the Gospel.
