NOTES for Luk 8:1-3

Many ancient teachers and philosophers gathered a school of followers around them, and many of them were followed by disciples who hung on their every word, yet no preacher of antiquity was followed by so many women. In this passage the evangelist lists in detail the names of these women, who were as close to the Lord as the twelve apostles. Luke makes a special point of noting that they had been healed or cleansed of evil spirits, thus drawing our attention to the fact that through them Jesus visibly manifested His divine power. While He calls the apostles chiefly by His word, He wins the future myrrh-bearing women through miracles. Mary Magdalene came to know Christ when she realized that the seven demons tormenting her had been cast out, not when she heard the call to follow Jesus. Perhaps this reveals a gender difference in the perception of God... To most disciples the Savior points out an entirely new path in life, whereas in the women He brings about a qualitative change. But these are only ways in which the Lord draws hearts to Himself, ways that are not of great importance. One thing remains paramount—the Kingdom of God, regardless of how your attention was drawn to it.