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ALATIANS 3:28 is the Christian’s equalizer: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Now, Paul was not in denial. He knew that there are definite and undeniable differences among us. Ethnicity is real, socioeconomics is real and gender uniqueness is real. Yet Christ certainly valued everyone regardless of the color of their skin, the brogue of their speech, the quality of their clothes, or their gender. Luke 8 is not solely about women, but there are some significant references to women in this chapter. And more importantly, everyone who followed Christ followed on the same basis. Entrance into life – eternal life – is not affected by geography, genealogy or gender. All regenerate individuals are saved by grace and through faith. There are no exceptions.
However, Luke commences this chapter with a portrait of Christ traveling and preaching while leading a small train of disciple. We are familiar with the 12 leading disciples, of which 11 eventually became apostles. But there were even more female disciples who traveled with Christ (Luke 8:2-3). In fact, Jesus' ministry was clearly financed to a great degree by the generosity of these female followers. Jesus was definitely inclusive in His presentation of the gospel. He cared for the souls of women just as He cared for the souls of men. In a culture that belittled women, Jesus honored them. That is not to say that Jesus' ministry was dominated by women. Luke 8:19-21 demonstrates that Jesus was sent (and set) to do the will of His heavenly Father, and there was no compromise in that commitment, even for the sake of His mother, Mary.
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