The Generosity of Joanna: Giving as a Response to Grace

"We love because He first loved us." — 1 John 4:19

Those six words beautifully capture the foundation of our relationship with God. We can only love and give because He first gave to us. This principle is woven throughout Scripture, including a remarkable account in Luke 8 that highlights the role of generosity in Jesus' ministry.

Luke 8 begins with a description of Jesus traveling from city to city, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Alongside Him were His twelve disciples and a group of women who financially supported His ministry:

"Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means." (Luke 8:1-3)

These women, having been healed of spiritual or physical infirmities, provided for Jesus and His disciples out of their resources. One name, in particular, stands out—Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager.

Joanna’s Journey: Receiving Before Giving

Joanna was a woman of wealth, accustomed to a royal lifestyle. Yet, her journey of generosity didn’t begin with giving—it began with receiving. The Bible tells us that Jesus had healed her before she became one of His supporters.

Why does Luke include this detail? Perhaps to remind us that money alone doesn’t solve our problems—we must first receive before we can give. This truth extends beyond finances:

• We receive life from God before we can live.
• We receive intelligence, skills, and abilities before we can work.
• We receive love from God and our families before we can love others.

Paul asks in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “What do you have that you did not receive?” The answer is nothing. Everything we have is a gift from God, meant to be stewarded for His glory. The Virtuous Cycle of Giving

Joanna’s generosity was not transactional—it was a response to Jesus’ love. She had experienced His healing and grace, and her natural response was to give back.

Later, in Luke 24, we see Joanna again. She is among the women at Jesus’ empty tomb, initially heartbroken and confused. But when she remembers His words, she runs to tell the apostles what she has seen. This shows us that generosity is a journey—a reflection of our deepening relationship with Christ. As we grow in faith, our giving becomes more sacrificial and joyful, mirroring the extravagant love we have received from Jesus.

Joanna’s story challenges us to examine our own giving. The Lord has led me to ask myself some important questions:

1. What have I received from Christ that should shape my generosity? Do I truly recognize that all I have is a gift from Him?
2. Am I a safe giver or a sacrificial giver? Am I giving only what’s comfortable, or am I stretching in faith?
3. Does my current level of giving reflect how well I’ve received from God?

I encourage you to ask yourself these questions. Be honest, pray through them, and see where the Lord leads you.

A Prayer for Generosity Lord, help me to recognize all that I have received from You. Grow my heart to be a conduit of Your love and generosity. Let my giving be an expression of gratitude, trust, and worship. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.