Joanna: A Life Transformed by Sacrificial Love

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the life of Joanna, a lesser-known but significant follower of Jesus, to understand how salvation should spur us to sacrifice. We began by reflecting on Psalm 98, which calls us to praise God for His mighty works and faithfulness. This set the tone for our exploration of Joanna's life, a woman who exemplified sacrificial living in response to her salvation.

Joanna was a woman of prominence, married to Chusa, the chief steward of Herod Antipas. Despite her high social standing and wealth, Joanna chose to follow Jesus, sacrificing her comfort, protection, and possessions. Her life was transformed by Jesus' healing, and she responded by supporting His ministry financially and through her presence.

We also touched on the story of Elizabeth Elliott and Rachel Saint, who, despite losing their husbands to a violent tribe, chose to live among the very people who killed them to share the gospel. This powerful example of sacrificial love parallels Joanna's story, emphasizing that true salvation leads to a life of sacrifice.

Joanna's story challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we willing to sacrifice our prominence, protection, and possessions for Jesus? Her life serves as a powerful reminder that our salvation should spur us to live sacrificially, just as Jesus sacrificed everything for us.

### Key Takeaways

1. Salvation and Sacrifice: Joanna's life teaches us that true salvation should spur us to sacrifice. She gave up her high social standing and wealth to follow Jesus, demonstrating that our response to salvation should be a willingness to give up everything for Him. [42:45]

2. Sacrificial Living: Joanna's decision to support Jesus' ministry financially and through her presence shows that sacrificial living involves both our resources and our time. Her example challenges us to consider how we can use our own resources to further God's kingdom. [53:14]

3. Risking for the Gospel: Joanna risked her safety by leaving the protection of Herod's court to follow Jesus. This reminds us that following Jesus may involve risks, but our faith should compel us to take those risks for the sake of the gospel. [01:00:24]

4. The Power of Healing: Joanna's transformation began with Jesus' healing, which changed her life forever. This highlights the power of Jesus' healing in our lives and how it should lead us to live differently, prioritizing His mission over our comfort. [46:44]

5. Legacy of Sacrifice: The story of Elizabeth Elliott and Rachel Saint, who continued their husbands' mission despite their tragic deaths, parallels Joanna's story. Both examples show that a legacy of sacrifice can have a profound impact on spreading the gospel. [42:04]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[25:10] - Invitation to Prayer
[25:45] - Christ as Mediator
[26:22] - Reading Psalm 98
[27:31] - Praising God for His Worthiness
[28:26] - Thanking God for His Deeds
[30:20] - Bringing Our Requests to God
[32:45] - Shouting Triumphantly to the King
[40:35] - Story of Missionaries in Ecuador
[42:04] - Sacrifice of Elizabeth Elliott and Rachel Saint
[42:45] - Introduction to Joanna
[46:44] - Joanna's Healing
[49:21] - God is Gracious
[53:14] - Supporting Jesus' Ministry
[01:00:24] - Risking for Jesus
[01:02:03] - Sacrificing Possessions
[01:04:29] - Salvation Spurs Sacrifice
[01:10:07] - Possible Connection to Junia

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 98:1-6 - "Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has performed wonders. His right hand and holy arm have won the victory. The Lord has made his victory known; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen our God's victory. Let the whole earth shout to the Lord; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing. Sing to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and melodious song. With trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn, shout triumphantly in the presence of the Lord, our King."

2. Luke 8:1-3 - "Afterward, he was traveling from one town and village to another, preaching and telling the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary called Magdalene (seven demons had come out of her); Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward; Susanna; and many others who were supporting them from their possessions."

3. Luke 24:9-11 - "Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 98 call us to do in response to God's mighty works and faithfulness? ([26:22])
2. Who were the women mentioned in Luke 8:1-3, and what roles did they play in Jesus' ministry? ([43:28])
3. How did Joanna's social standing and wealth contrast with her decision to follow Jesus? ([52:40])
4. What was the reaction of the apostles when the women, including Joanna, reported Jesus' resurrection? ([44:38])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 98 set the tone for understanding the significance of Joanna's sacrificial living? ([26:22])
2. In what ways did Joanna's healing by Jesus transform her life and lead her to support His ministry? ([46:44])
3. How does the story of Elizabeth Elliott and Rachel Saint parallel Joanna's story in terms of sacrificial love and spreading the gospel? ([42:04])
4. What risks did Joanna take by leaving Herod's court to follow Jesus, and what does this teach us about the nature of true discipleship? ([01:00:24])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Joanna's willingness to sacrifice her prominence and wealth for Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you feel called to make similar sacrifices? What steps can you take to respond to that call? ([52:40])
2. Joanna supported Jesus' ministry both financially and through her presence. How can you use your resources and time to further God's kingdom in your community? ([53:14])
3. Following Jesus often involves taking risks. What are some risks you might face in your faith journey, and how can you prepare yourself to take those risks for the sake of the gospel? ([01:00:24])
4. Joanna's transformation began with Jesus' healing. How has Jesus' healing power impacted your life, and how can you live differently because of it? ([46:44])
5. The legacy of Elizabeth Elliott and Rachel Saint shows the profound impact of sacrificial love. How can you create a legacy of sacrifice in your own life that will impact others for Christ? ([42:04])
6. Consider the comfort and protection you currently enjoy. Are you willing to give these up if Jesus calls you to do so? What practical steps can you take to prepare your heart for such a sacrifice? ([01:00:24])
7. Joanna's story challenges us to examine our own lives. What specific actions can you take this week to live more sacrificially in response to your salvation? ([54:44])

Devotional

Day 1: Salvation Spurs Sacrifice
Joanna's life teaches us that true salvation should spur us to sacrifice. She gave up her high social standing and wealth to follow Jesus, demonstrating that our response to salvation should be a willingness to give up everything for Him. Joanna's transformation began with Jesus' healing, which changed her life forever. This highlights the power of Jesus' healing in our lives and how it should lead us to live differently, prioritizing His mission over our comfort. Her story challenges us to examine our own lives and consider what we are willing to sacrifice for Jesus. [42:45]

Luke 8:1-3 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 2: Sacrificial Living
Joanna's decision to support Jesus' ministry financially and through her presence shows that sacrificial living involves both our resources and our time. Her example challenges us to consider how we can use our own resources to further God's kingdom. Joanna's life serves as a powerful reminder that our salvation should spur us to live sacrificially, just as Jesus sacrificed everything for us. [53:14]

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: How can you use your resources—time, money, and talents—to support the work of God's kingdom this week? What specific steps can you take today to start living more sacrificially?

Day 3: Risking for the Gospel
Joanna risked her safety by leaving the protection of Herod's court to follow Jesus. This reminds us that following Jesus may involve risks, but our faith should compel us to take those risks for the sake of the gospel. Joanna's story challenges us to examine our own lives and consider what risks we are willing to take for Jesus. [01:00:24]

Acts 20:22-24 (ESV): "And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

Reflection: What is one risk you feel God is calling you to take for the sake of the gospel? How can you step out in faith and trust God with the outcome?

Day 4: The Power of Healing
Joanna's transformation began with Jesus' healing, which changed her life forever. This highlights the power of Jesus' healing in our lives and how it should lead us to live differently, prioritizing His mission over our comfort. Joanna's story challenges us to reflect on how Jesus' healing has impacted our own lives and how we can respond to His grace. [46:44]

Psalm 103:2-4 (ESV): "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy."

Reflection: How has Jesus' healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—impacted your life? How can you respond to His grace by prioritizing His mission over your own comfort?

Day 5: Legacy of Sacrifice
The story of Elizabeth Elliott and Rachel Saint, who continued their husbands' mission despite their tragic deaths, parallels Joanna's story. Both examples show that a legacy of sacrifice can have a profound impact on spreading the gospel. Joanna's life serves as a powerful reminder that our salvation should spur us to live sacrificially, just as Jesus sacrificed everything for us. [42:04]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: Think of someone whose sacrificial life has inspired you. How can you honor their legacy by living sacrificially for the sake of the gospel? What specific actions can you take today to start building your own legacy of sacrifice?

Quotes

1. "Salvation should spur us to sacrifice. In Luke chapter 8, Jesus has grown up at this point. When we last saw him with Anna, he was just eight days old. Now he's grown up. And his earthly ministry is underway. If you join me in verse 1, it says, Afterward, he, that is Jesus, was traveling from one town and village to another, preaching and telling the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve, we know them as the disciples, they were with him." [42:45] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Why would you leave prestige, leave money, leave prominence, leave power, popularity? Why would you leave all that stuff? The answer really is simple. Jesus had changed her life. He healed her. He saved her. See, being saved changed how she behaved. Ooh, that could preach. Make a little note. I'll save that for another time. She went from having it all to giving it all away for Jesus." [54:10] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Listen, the truth is, we want to say yes. But the truth is, if a conversation makes us uncomfortable, we won't have it. She left it all to follow Jesus. Second, she sacrificed her protection for Jesus. Not only would it not have been popular, but it would have been dangerous for her to follow Jesus instead of staying in the court of Herod." [01:00:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Joanna sacrificed everything for Jesus. Jesus saved me. How can I not sacrifice my comfort for him? He saved me. He saved me. How can I not sacrifice my possessions for him? What we see when we look at the life of Joanna is simple. Salvation should spur us to sacrifice." [01:04:29] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Listen, if you're here today and Jesus has saved you, my prayer is that you would be a strong man, a strong woman, and you would be spurred on to sacrifice. To sacrifice your prominence, even your protection, and yes, sacrifice your possessions for Jesus. Why? Because he saved you and he saved me." [01:06:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You can put your faith in Jesus today and be saved for all eternity. He will change everything, heal your eternal heart. You'll put your faith in Jesus today. That's something you have to do. I can't do it for you. I can't sprinkle you and make you saved. You gotta make that decision in your heart. You gotta follow Jesus with your life. I wish you would today." [01:07:26] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Maybe right now your prayer should be, God, I'm willing to sacrifice blank because you saved me and you're worthy of. Right now, just pray. God, I pray that we would be a people of sacrifice because you are worthy because you saved us. In Jesus name, Amen." [01:09:10] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We don't know for sure that Junia is Joanna. But what we do know is Junia also sacrificed the Lord because she was a prisoner just like Paul. We also know she knew Jesus before Paul did. So it's very possible that Junia and Joanna are the same person. And so she would have lived out her life in sacrifice for Jesus. May we, you and I, be strong in the courts of Christ our Father." [01:11:06] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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