# Joanna ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Names:** Joanna - **Meaning:** "The LORD is gracious." - **Significance:** Her name reflects the grace of God, which is a recurring theme in the New Testament, particularly in the context of God's gracious acts through Jesus Christ. ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Lifespan:** Exact dates unknown, but she lived during the time of Jesus' ministry (approx. early 1st century AD). - **Historical Context:** Joanna lived in a period when Rome occupied Judea. Her involvement with Jesus' ministry likely occurred around 30-33 AD. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** Follower of Jesus, supporter of His ministry. - **Significance:** Joanna was one of the women who traveled with Jesus and the apostles, providing for them out of her own resources. She was also present at the resurrection, highlighting her important role in the early Christian community. ## Tags - #biblical-figures - #roles-follower - #roles-supporter - #timelines-newtestament ## Cross-References - Joanna is mentioned as a follower of Jesus in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke Chapter 8]]. - She is also referenced in connection with the resurrection of Jesus in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke Chapter 24]]. ## Key References: Joanna ### Primary Passages - **Supporting Jesus’ Ministry:** [[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke Chapter 8:1-3]]—Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, is mentioned as one of the women who supported Jesus and His disciples from their own resources. - **Witness to the Resurrection:** [[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke Chapter 24:10]]—Joanna is listed among the women who went to Jesus’ tomb and reported His resurrection to the apostles. ### Mentions in Genealogies - Joanna is not mentioned in any genealogical references. ### New Testament References - Joanna is specifically mentioned in the Gospel of Luke as part of the group of women who played a significant role in the ministry and resurrection narrative of Jesus. ### Prophetic/Typological References - There are no specific prophetic or typological references directly related to Joanna in the biblical text. ### Tags - #key-references - #new-testament - #joanna - #witnesses - #supporters-of-jesus ## Relationships: Joanna ### Family Relationships - **Spouse:** Chuza, the manager of Herod's household. Joanna is specifically identified as "the wife of Chuza" ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke 8:3]]). ### Allies/Friends - **Jesus Christ:** Joanna was a follower and supporter of Jesus, providing for Him and His disciples out of her resources ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke 8:3]]). - **Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James:** Joanna was present with these women at the tomb of Jesus, indicating a close relationship with them as fellow followers and witnesses to Jesus' resurrection ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke 24:10]]). ### Adversaries/Conflicts - There are no specific adversaries or recorded conflicts for Joanna in the biblical texts. However, being a follower of Jesus during a time of growing opposition to Him likely put Joanna in a position of societal and possibly familial tension. ### Spiritual Relationships - **Jesus Christ:** Joanna's relationship with Jesus is marked by her dedication and support. Her inclusion among the women who financially supported Jesus' ministry highlights her commitment and faith ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke 8:3]]). Her presence at the resurrection underscores her continued devotion and belief in Jesus ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke 24:10]]). ### Tags - #relationships - #family - #allies - #spiritualrelationships - #joanna - #followerofjesus - #womensupporters - #resurrectionwitnesses ## Significance: Joanna ### Theological Importance - **Supporter of Jesus' Ministry:** Joanna is noted for her role in supporting Jesus' ministry. She is one of the women who provided for Jesus and His disciples out of their own means, demonstrating a commitment to the mission of Christ and the spreading of the Gospel ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke Chapter 8]]). - **Witness to the Resurrection:** Joanna is one of the women who visited Jesus' tomb and discovered it empty, thus becoming one of the first witnesses to the resurrection. This highlights the importance of women in the early church and their role in the proclamation of the resurrection ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke Chapter 24]]). ### Historical Context - **Connection to Herod's Household:** Joanna is identified as the wife of Chuza, a steward of Herod Antipas. Her position suggests a connection between the early Christian movement and various social strata, including those within the ruling class ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke Chapter 8]]). - **Role in the Early Church:** By being part of the group that first proclaimed the resurrection, Joanna played a part in the formative events of the early Christian community and contributed to the spread of the resurrection message. ### Symbolism and Typology - **Faith and Provision:** Joanna’s actions are symbolic of faith that acts, as she not only believed in Jesus but also supported His mission materially. This can be seen as a typology of the Church's call to support the work of the Gospel through tangible means. - **Witness and Proclamation:** Her role as a witness to the resurrection serves as a typology of the Church’s mission to bear witness to the risen Christ, underscoring the theme of proclamation that is central to the Christian faith ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke Chapter 24]]). ### Tags - #significance - #theological-themes - #biblical-history - #typology - #resurrection - #womensrole - #supporterministry - #earlychurch ## Character Study: Joanna ### Strengths and Virtues - **Faithful Follower:** Joanna is known for her commitment to Jesus' ministry, providing support out of her own means, which speaks to her dedication and generosity ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8 Verse 3|Luke 8:3]]). - **Witness to Resurrection:** Joanna was one of the women who visited Jesus' tomb and witnessed the resurrection, showing her devotion and courage to be identified with Jesus even in perilous times ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24 Verse 10|Luke 24:10]]). ### Weaknesses and Failures - The biblical text does not explicitly highlight any personal weaknesses or failures of Joanna. Her portrayal in the Gospels is positive, focusing on her support and faithfulness to Jesus' ministry. ### Lessons Learned - **Support of Ministry:** Joanna's life illustrates the importance and impact of supporting God's work through personal resources and time, a significant model for stewardship ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8 Verse 3|Luke 8:3]]). - **Witness and Evangelism:** Being a witness to the resurrection, Joanna exemplifies the call to share the good news of Jesus Christ, even in the face of uncertainty and danger ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24 Verse 10|Luke 24:10]]). ### Tags - #strengths-faithful - #strengths-generous - #lessons-support - #lessons-witness - #lessons-courage ## Themes and Symbolism: Joanna ### Key Themes - **Faithfulness and Devotion:** Joanna demonstrates a faithful dedication to Jesus, supporting His ministry with her resources, reflecting a theme of sacrificial service and commitment ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke Chapter 8]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke Chapter 24]]). - **Witness and Testimony:** Her presence at the empty tomb signifies her role as a witness to the resurrection, highlighting themes of testimony and proclamation ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke Chapter 24]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **Support of Ministry:** Joanna’s use of her resources for Jesus’ ministry symbolizes the broader call for believers to contribute selflessly to the work of the Gospel ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke Chapter 8]]). - **The Empty Tomb:** Her discovery of the empty tomb serves as a powerful symbol of the resurrection and new life in Christ ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke Chapter 24]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Role of Women in the Church:** Joanna’s active participation in Jesus’ ministry foreshadows the important role women would play in the early Church and the spread of the Gospel ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 1|Acts Chapter 1]], [[Romans/Romans Chapter 16|Romans Chapter 16]]). - **Resurrection Joy:** Her encounter at the empty tomb prefigures the joy and hope found in the resurrection of Christ, a cornerstone of Christian faith ([[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 15|1 Corinthians Chapter 15]]). ### Tags - #themes - #symbolism - #foreshadowing - #faithfulness - #devotion - #witness - #testimony - #resurrection ## Connections: Joanna ### Parallel Figures - **Mary Magdalene:** Both were women who followed Jesus and supported His ministry, as indicated in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke Chapter 8]]. - **Susanna:** Along with Joanna, Susanna is mentioned as one of the women who provided for Jesus out of their own means ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke Chapter 8]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Role of Women in the Early Church:** Joanna’s support of Jesus’ ministry and her presence at the resurrection is a precursor to the significant role women would play in the early church, as seen in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 1|Acts Chapter 1]]. ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Herodian Household:** Joanna was the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, indicating her connection to the political and social structures of the time ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke Chapter 8]]). - **Role in Resurrection Narrative:** Joanna is mentioned as one of the women who reported Jesus’ resurrection to the apostles, highlighting the involvement of women in key events of the Gospel ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke Chapter 24]]). ### Tags - #parallel-figures - #foreshadowing-Christ - #historical-context - #role-of-women - #resurrection-narrative ## Legacy: Joanna ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Supporter of Jesus’ Ministry:** Joanna played a vital role in the ministry of Jesus by providing financial support and resources, demonstrating the importance of women in the early church's mission. She is mentioned as one of the women who supported Jesus out of their own means ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke Chapter 8:3]]). Her involvement highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry and the active participation of women in the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. ### Mentions in Later Scripture - **Witness to the Resurrection:** Joanna is notably mentioned as one of the women who witnessed the empty tomb and reported Jesus’ resurrection to the apostles ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke Chapter 24:10]]). Her role as a witness underscores the credibility and authority given to women's testimonies in the early church, which was counter-cultural in a time when women’s testimonies were often undervalued. ### Spiritual Lessons - **Devotion and Service:** Joanna’s life exemplifies dedication and service to Christ, showing that supporting God’s work can take many forms, including financial and logistical support. - **Courage and Faith:** By being one of the first to proclaim the resurrection, Joanna demonstrates courage and faithfulness, inspiring believers to boldly share the Gospel despite societal norms. ### Modern Applications - Joanna’s legacy encourages believers to recognize and appreciate the diverse roles that individuals, regardless of gender, can play in the ministry. Her example challenges contemporary faith communities to ensure that women's contributions are valued and visible. - Her story is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' message, motivating modern believers to support and participate in the church’s mission in various practical and spiritual ways. ### Tags - #legacy - #impact-on-israel - #church-history - #spiritual-lessons - #womensministry - #resurrectionwitness - #devotionandservice ## Geography: Joanna ### Significant Locations - **Galilee:** Joanna likely resided in Galilee, as she was among the women who followed Jesus from this region and supported His ministry out of their means ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke 8:1-3]]). - **Jerusalem:** Joanna traveled to Jerusalem as she was present at the crucifixion and the resurrection events. She was one of the women who went to Jesus’ tomb and found it empty ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke 24:10]]). ### Travel and Movement - **Journey with Jesus:** Joanna traveled with Jesus and His disciples as they went through towns and villages of Galilee, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8|Luke 8:1-3]]). - **Travel to Jerusalem:** Joanna was part of the group that traveled to Jerusalem, witnessing key events of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke 24:10]]). ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Galilee’s Role:** Known as the region where Jesus began His public ministry, Galilee is significant as the locus of many teachings and miracles, and as the starting point for the movement that Joanna was a part of ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4|Matthew 4:12-17]]). - **Jerusalem’s Symbolism:** Central to the fulfillment of Jesus' mission, Jerusalem is where Jesus was crucified and rose again, marking the pivotal events of the Christian faith ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24|Luke 24:1-12]]). ### Tags - #geography - #locations-galilee - #locations-jerusalem - #travel - #joanna - #womensministry ## Additional Resources: Joanna ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **Support of Jesus’ Ministry:** Joanna is mentioned among the women who supported Jesus out of their resources ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8 Verse 3|Luke 8:3]]). - **Witness to Resurrection:** Joanna is also one of the women who went to Jesus' tomb and found it empty ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 24 Verse 10|Luke 24:10]]). ### Genealogical References - Joanna is identified as the wife of Chuza, who was an official in Herod's household ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 8 Verse 3|Luke 8:3]]). Though no further genealogical data is provided in the scriptures, her connection to Herod's household provides cultural and historical context. ### Maps and Geographic References - **Herod's Household:** Although not specified in detail, it can be inferred that Joanna would be associated with locations relevant to Herod’s rule, which included territories such as Galilee and Perea. These areas can be explored in maps that detail the political geography during Jesus’ time. ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **Role of Women in Jesus' Ministry:** [[Luke/Luke Chapter 8 Verses 1-3|Luke 8:1-3]] offers insights into the active role women, including Joanna, played in supporting Jesus’ ministry. - **Resurrection Account:** [[Luke/Luke Chapter 24 Verses 1-12|Luke 24:1-12]] provides a profound narrative of the resurrection where Joanna is noted as a witness, highlighting the importance of women in the early church. ### Tags - #additional-resources - #cross-references - #genealogy - #maps - #womens-role - #resurrection