After Jesus leaves Simon’s dinner party (see
here), He travels around
Luke 8:1-3
1 Soon afterwards, He
began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and
preaching the
2 and also some women
who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called
Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
3
and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and
Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their
private means.
We always hear about the 12 disciples, but women played some of the most important roles in the ministry of Jesus Christ. These women were DIAKONEO, which literally means to serve, or to wait on someone at a table, or to take care of or support. These women traveled around with them taking care of Jesus and the disciples, which greatly facilitated the proclaiming and preaching that He did.
The other Greek word used is HUPARCHO, which means to be present, or to be at one’s disposal. This tells us that these women served simply by being there, willing to do whatever was needed to facilitate the ministry. This is a perfect illustration of the willingness that God wants from us! They were motivated by their LOVE FOR THE LORD.
We should also be motivated to serve because of our love for the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
14 For
the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for
all, therefore all died;
15 and He died for
all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who
died and rose again on their behalf.
The word controls is the word SUNECHO, and it means literally to impel or urge. Our love of Christ should motivate us! As we look at the love initiated by Jesus Christ on the Cross, we should have a natural response:
1 John 4:19
19 We love, because
He first loved us.
Do you truly understand what He did for you on the Cross? He paid the price for ALL your sins, saved you from eternity in the lake of fire, and got you a free ticket to spend eternity with God in heaven! How can you not love Him back?!
What is it that motivates you? Why do you make certain decisions? As Christians, we need to insure that the motivation for ANYTHING we do is our love for Christ!