Faithful givers, powerful impact: lessons from Jesus’ ministry supporters, Rev Dr John Kwasi Fosu
Amazing Grace Baptist Church, Hamburg Bible Study Material on Luke 8:1-3
Introduction:
Every great Kingdom movement of God has always been supported the faithful giving of God’s people. When Jesus walked the earth ministering, Jesus’ ministry was not just supernaturally sustained, but Scripture shows us that they were supported human generosity. Let’s explore how the women in this passage became vital partners in Kingdom work and what it means for us.
Luke 8:1-3 gives us a surprising revelation: Jesus’ earthly ministry was financially supported a group of ordinary but generous individuals. Their giving was the engine that powered the movement of the Gospel. These were Jesus’ followers whose lives had been touched Christ and who felt the need to support such a worthy ministry.
- Kingdom Advancement is a Shared Responsibility, Vs 1-2.
Jesus was proclaiming the Kingdom of God, the most important message for humanity. He moved from town to town He needed ministry partners. Though he had the power to multiply loaves of bread and to do any miracle unimaginable, He invited human participation through giving. Proclaiming the Gospel required financial support in Jesus’ day and it is even more costly today, in our sophisticated society. Generosity places us in divine partnership with God. Jesus impacted multitudes because others funded the mission. The Gospel spreads through generous hearts.
- Givers are not always in the Spotlight, but they are Essential, Luke 8:2-3
Luke mentions the names of these kingdom supporters. Their names are briefly mentioned, but their impact is surpassing. They did not preach as professional preachers, but they made the spread of God’s Word possible. They ministered with their resources. God sees the hidden role of givers who have Kingdom work at heart and records it eternally. We do not necessarily need titles to make an eternal impact. Today, the names of these women are remembered because of their giving. Every great revival and mission through the centuries had generous givers, men and women who wrote cheques, bought Bibles, and funded church planting in diverse ways, 1 Cor. 3:9.
- Giving is the Overflow of a Touched Life, Vs. 2-3
These women had been delivered and healed. Their giving was not out of obligation, but overflowing gratitude. The ministry of Jesus had touched them and transformed them in unique ways. So, giving became a personal response to the grace received. “Out of their own means”, they gave. This implies thoughtful, intentional generosity. They budgeted and prioritised ministry needs. The truth is, when the Gospel transforms your heart, it opens your hand.
Conclusion
The Gospel has always moved on the rails of grace and generosity. Jesus’ earthly ministry needed supporters, and so does His work today. Giving is a form of ministry. Through giving, let us join hands with heaven to make a difference.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do I see myself as a vital partner in building God’s Church?
- What has God done for me that I can respond to, through giving?
- Do I believe that my giving can impact lives for eternity even if I remain unseen?
