The Silent follower of Jesus : Joanna the Wife of Chuza

Joanna is mentioned in Luke 8:1–3 and Luke 24:10:

In Luke 8:1–3, she is listed among the women who followed Jesus and supported His ministry financially:

"...Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means."
In Luke 24:10, Joanna is named as one of the women who went to Jesus' tomb and became a witness to His resurrection.

High Social Standing:
Joanna was married to Chuza, who managed the household of Herod Antipas, a powerful and controversial ruler. This made her part of the elite class, with access to wealth, influence, and the inner workings of political power.
Healing by Jesus:
Luke suggests that Jesus healed Joanna of some illness or spiritual oppression (Luke 8:2). Her devotion to Jesus likely began with a personal encounter that changed her life.
Material Support of Jesus' Ministry:
She didn’t just follow Jesus passively—she actively supported Him. Her financial contributions show commitment, generosity, and a willingness to be involved in a risky, controversial movement.
Witness to the Resurrection:
Joanna was one of the first witnesses to the empty tomb, placing her among the first proclaimers of the resurrection—an astonishing honor and responsibility.

Absolutely—though the Gospel texts don't give explicit accounts of threats, several risks can be reasonably inferred:

Political Danger:
Jesus was seen as a threat by Herod Antipas and the Roman authorities. For someone in Herod’s court to openly follow Jesus was political rebellion in a subtle but significant way.
Religious Ostracism:
Associating with a controversial rabbi accused of blasphemy and rebellion could lead to religious exclusion, especially for a woman of rank.
Personal and Social Risk:
Supporting Jesus could put her marriage and social standing at risk. If Chuza remained loyal to Herod, her discipleship might have brought tension or even disgrace to her household.
Presence at the Tomb:
Being present at Jesus’ tomb post-crucifixion was risky, both because of Roman soldiers and Jewish authorities. It also placed her in the center of a radical claim—the resurrection—that could be seen as delusional or seditious.

Faith Over Comfort:
Joanna gave up the comfort of palace life to follow an itinerant preacher. Her life is a rebuke to passive, “safe” discipleship. She followed truth, not convenience.
The Kingdom Cuts Across Class:
Jesus’ movement drew in fishermen, tax collectors, zealots—and elite women like Joanna. The Gospel disrupts human-made hierarchies. Joanna reminds us that no class or position is beyond the reach—or the demands—of Christ.
Courageous Witness:
Joanna didn’t fade into the background after Jesus' death. She was among the first to declare the resurrection, even when women’s testimonies were often disregarded. Her voice mattered—and still does.
Quiet but Powerful Influence:
She is not as famous as Mary Magdalene or Peter, but her role was crucial. She financed the ministry. She was there at the tomb. Sometimes, the most impactful disciples are those whose names are rarely on the front lines but whose commitment runs deep

Gospel Thoughts - Daily Gospel Reflections by Fr Maxim D'Souza