Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the beloved physician Luke. More specifically today’s passage is found in verse twenty-six through fifty-six of the eighth chapter. “And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over again Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a lou voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there and herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they brought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violent down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. They the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole how great things Jesus had done unto him” (Luke 8:26-39). “And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly receive him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had only one daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were him said, master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touch me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go tin peace. While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but she sleepers. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to giver her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done” ((Luke 8:40-56). When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find it coming directly on the heels of words which the Lord Jesus had taught and spoken unto the multitudes which gathered themselves together. If you begin reading with and from the first verse of the eighth chapter you will find it beginning a powerful description of the Lord Jesus going throughout every city and village within the region of Galilee preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. What’s more is that if you continue reading the words found in this passage you will Luke going on to write of two distinct groups of people who were with the Lord Jesus. It’s actually quite interesting to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within you will find two different groups of people who were present with the Lord Jesus. On the one hand you will find Luke writing concerning the disciples and how they were with Him as He went throughout every city and village teaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. On the other hand you will find Luke going on to write how there were certain women which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary Magdalene out of whom went seven devils, Joana the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others—who were present with the Lord Jesus. What makes the words and language found concerning these women is that Luke writes how these women ministered unto Jesus of their substance. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of what is found in this portion of the text for Luke describes those who were with Jesus and how there were those who ministered unto Him. There were those who walked with and followed the Lord Jesus for they had been called unto Himself to walk with and follow Him and yet there were others who ministered unto Jesus out of their substance. I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in the opening verses of this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but encounter a dramatic and powerful difference between walking with and following the Lord Jesus—even as it pertains to ministry unto others—and perhaps walking with Jesus and ministering unto Him. Within this passage is an incredibly strong and powerful declaration concerning these women how they might not have been called and entrusted to minister unto others as the disciples themselves had been entrusted, however, they engaged themselves in something entirely and altogether different. It is as you read the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find the beloved physician Luke writing concerning these women and how there ministered unto the Lord Jesus out of their substance. There is not a doubt in my mind that when we read these words we see a clear and present contrast between those who ministered for Jesus Christ while there were others who ministered unto Jesus Himself. Within the four gospel narratives you will find example after example of the Lord Jesus Christ ministering unto those present throughout the regions of Galilee, Judaea and the city of Jerusalem. What’s more is that is as you read the four gospel narratives you will find that Jesus didn’t merely call the disciples unto Himself to walk with and follow Him in fellowship together with Him and with each other but He also called them to walk with and follow Him in ministry. That which we find in this passage of Scripture is a powerful description of women who did not engage themselves to minister unto others but they instead did something which I am absolutely convinced might have had just as much importance as ministering unto others. The more you read the words which are found within the four gospels the more you will find three different types of ministry during those days within the region of Galilee, the region of Judaea and the city of Jerusalem. Of course the main and primary ministry which took place during those days would indeed be that which the Lord Jesus was called and sent by the eternal Father to engage Himself in during those days. It would be during those days when the Lord Jesus would indeed heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out unclean spirits, restore sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf and so much more. It would be during those days when Jesus would indeed heal countless men and women of their infirmities and outside of the personal, intimate and one of encounters recorded within the four gospels concerning Jesus’ healing, deliverance and cleansing during those days. With this being said there were other references found within the four gospel narratives concerning those times when Jesus didn’t heal specific individuals but would actually heal the multitudes, the crowds and the masses. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for in order to truly understand and recognize the words and language found within the four gospel narratives you must needs understand that there were indeed account after account of the Lord Jesus giving sight to the blind, restoring hearing to the deaf, opening the mouth of the deaf, raising up the lame, raising up the dead, cleansing the lepers, and healing various forms of infirmity and disease on an individual and personal level. With this being said, however, the gospels are replete with account after account and example after example of Jesus healing the sicknesses of the multitudes and crowds—and not only healing the sicknesses of the multitude but casting our devils, cleansing the lepers, and so much more. It is with this being said I invite you to consider if you will the following words and passages found in the four New Testament gospel narratives which were written by the four gospel authors. I am absolutely convinced that in order to set the stage for the ministry of the disciples and the ministry of the women it is absolutely necessary and imperative to consider the words which are found within the gospels concerning the ministry of the Lord Jesus during those days. There is an incredible amount of truth that is found within the four gospel accounts concerning the public ministry of the Lord Jesus during those days—not merely on an individual level but also on a corporate and public level. There were countless times during those days when the Lord Jesus would heal the multitudes and masses which had gathered themselves together unto Him. Jesus being moved with compassion for and on behalf of the crowds and multitudes which gathered themselves unto Him. Time and time again the Lord Jesus would indeed give of Himself unto the crowds and multitudes of people which gathered themselves unto Him seeking healing, cleansing and deliverance. This is something we have a great need to pay close attention to when considering this concept of ministry that is found within the four gospels for there are essentially three different types of ministry. There is of course the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself as He would teach and preach in every city and village showing the glad tidings and good news of the kingdom as well as offering healing, cleansing and deliverance during those days. There would also be the ministry of the twelve disciples who were called unto the Lord Jesus and sent out two by two into the cities, towns and villages as ambassadors for the kingdom of heaven. Along the same lines of the twelve disciples being sent forth we must also recognize that Jesus would send for the seventy others into the towns and villages which were present during those days before His face preparing them for His arrival. The third and final ministry which would take place during those days would be the ministry of the women who would not minister unto the crowds or the multitudes but would minister unto the Lord Jesus. Having said this I invite you first consider the following words found within the gospels concerning the ministry of the Lord Jesus unto the crowds and multitudes: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disk ness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decaoplis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan” (Matthew 4:23-25). “And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever lefter her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses” (Matthew 8:14-17). “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labour ears are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:35-38). “Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; and charged them that they should not make him known: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust” (Matthew 12:14-21). “When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of their cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus aid unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the give loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children” (Matthew 14:13-21). “And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the Sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them: insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel” (Matthew 15:29-31). “And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; and great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there” (Matthew 19:1-2). “And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them” (Matthew 21:14).

“And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. And at even, when the sun did seat, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him” (Mark 1:29-34). “But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, and from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him. And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they throng him. For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known” (Mark 3:7-12). “And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And the devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee” (Luke 4:38-44). “And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed” (Luke 5:12-16). “And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; and they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtuous of him, and healed them all” (Luke 6:17-19). “And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and her received them, and speak unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing” (Luke 9:10-11). We dare not and must not miss the incredible importance of the words which we find within these passages for these passages present us with an incredibly powerful picture of Jesus offering healing, cleansing and deliverance unto the crowds, the multitudes and the masses which had gathered themselves unto Him. It is within these passages of Scripture we encounter and come face to face with the incredible and wonderful truth surrounding Jesus and the compassion He had toward the multitudes which gathered themselves unto Him. Time and time again within the gospels and throughout the public ministry of the Lord Jesus we find Him being moved with compassion and it was that compassion which prompted and compelled Him to heal all those who were gathered unto Him. There were countless times during the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus during those three and a half years when Jesus would be moved with compassion and it would be that compassion that would enable Him to heal all manner of sickness, all manner of disease and all manner of infirmity. There is something incredibly powerful about the words which we find in these passages of Scripture for while the four gospel narratives present us with example after example of Jesus healing on an individual and personal level, and with example after example of Jesus cleansing on an individual level and even Jesus casting out unclean spirits on a personal level there were times when the Lord Jesus would heal on a corporate and collective level. There were countless times within and throughout the four gospel narratives when Jesus would be so moved with compassion that He would heal all manner of sickness and illness within the lives of all those who gathered themselves unto Him. Time and time again the Lord Jesus would be so moved with compassion that He would devote Himself to healing all those who had gathered themselves unto Him seeking healing, cleansing and deliverance. You cannot read the four gospel narratives without coming face to face with a Jesus who was so moved with compassion that He would heal the sicknesses, diseases and infirmities of those who had gathered themselves unto Him. There were countless times within the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ during those three days when Jesus would indeed be so moved with compassion that He would spend an entire day healing the sicknesses, the illnesses, the infirmities and the diseases of all those who were present during those days. There were many times when the Lord Jesus would open the eyes of the blind, open the ears of the deaf, cause the tongues of the deaf to be loosed, heal the lame, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead and even drive out unclean spirits. Oh it is absolutely impossible to read the words which are found within the four New Testament gospels and not encounter and come face to face with the incredible truth surrounding the compassion and ministry of the Lord Jesus as He would continually and repeatedly engage and commit Himself to ministering unto those who had gathered themselves unto Him. There is something truly captivating and telling about the compassion and ministry of the Lord Jesus for while it was indeed true Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost and while it was indeed true that Jesus came to offer Himself as a sacrifice and offering for atonement and a propitiation for our sins that we might be found in right relationship with the living God it is also true that while He walked among us as the Word made flesh He would also heal all manner of sickness, He would drive out unclean spirits, he would cleanse the lepers, He would raise the dead, He would cause the blind to see and the deaf to speak, and so much more. Throughout those three and a half years the Lord Jesus Christ would indeed engage Himself in public ministry within and throughout the regions of Judaea, Galilee and the surrounding regions as He would indeed offer healing, deliverance and cleansing to all those who would gather themselves unto Him. If you continue reading the words which are found within the four gospels you will find that in addition to the Lord Jesus didn’t merely offer healing, deliverance and cleansing Himself but He would also ordain and appoint the twelve disciples to go forth as ambassadors for the kingdom. There is something truly astonishing about the words which we find within the four New Testament gospel narratives for within them we are brought face to face with the Lord Jesus ordaining and appointing the twelve disciples and apostles to go before His face as those who would offer the same type of healing unto those who were present during those days. You cannot read the four gospel narratives without coming face to face with the Lord Jesus sending forth those twelve men whom He had personally chosen and ordained as apostles to go before His face and even be an extension of His own ministry. It was indeed true the Lord Jesus would indeed be the main conduit and vessel of ministry during those days, however, Jesus would also enlist the assistance of those who had walked with and followed Him during those years. We must not miss and lose sight of this for it actually brings us face to face with the second form of ministry during those days which wasn’t merely the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ but was also the ministry of the twelve disciples and apostles. It would be during those days when the Lord Jesus would send forth those men who had walked with and followed Him for three and a half years to go before Him into the cities, towns and villages and to essentially do the very same thing which He himself had done. What’s more is that if you read the four gospels you will find that not only would the Lord Jesus sent forth the twelve disciples whom He ordained and appointed as apostles but He would also send forth seventy others who would go out two by two before His face as ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven in the midst of the earth. I am absolutely and completely convinced there is a great need to recognize and pay attention to the words found within the four gospel narratives for within them we encounter the awesome and powerful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and how it wasn’t merely Jesus Himself who would go into the towns, villages and cities of Judaea and Galilee teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. The more you read the four gospel narratives the more you will encounter and come face to face with the truly astonishing and powerful reality that Jesus would indeed be the main vessel and conduit from which ministry unto the crowds, unto the multitudes and unto the masses would flow, however, the Lord Jesus would also raise up a total of eighty-two whom He would send forth as ambassadors for the kingdom of heaven. Oh pause for a moment and consider the fact that during those days the Lord Jesus would send forth a total of eighty-two different individuals who would go before His face into the cities, towns and villages teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. It would be during those days the Lord Jesus Christ would send forth a total of eighty-two who would go before His face healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising up the dead, driving out unclean spirits and so much more. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it brings us face to face with the truly wonderful truth that during those days there was indeed a wonderful presence of disciples and those who were personally chosen, ordained and appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ to go before his face into the cities, towns and villages. This is something we must needs recognize and understand as it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and the extension of His ministry and the ministry of the kingdom of heaven during those days. Oh it is with this being said I invite you to first and foremost consider the following words which are found in the Synoptic gospels concerning the Lord Jesus sending forth the twelve who would go forth and minister in the midst of the cities, towns and villages during those days. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the New Testament gospels written by the apostle Matthew, John Mark and the physician Luke beginning with the gospel of Matthew: “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in the synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:35-38). “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of ALphaeus, and Lebanese, whose surname was Thaddeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent forth, and command them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any of the city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor script for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house by worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city” (Matthew 10:1-15). “Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony agains them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say not you, ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:16-33). “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loveth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 10:34-39). “He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (Matthew 10:40-42). “But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, and from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him. And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known. And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boangerges, which is The sons of thunder: and Andrew, and Philip, and Barthoolmew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus, and Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him” (Mark 3:7-20). “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; and commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: but he shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say not you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And thy cast out. Many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them” (Luke 6-7-13). “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to curse diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake offer the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where” (Luke 9:1-6). Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of the words which are found within these passages of Scripture for while it was indeed true the Lord Jesus would go forth into the cities, towns and villages teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven and while it was indeed true that Jesus would indeed heal all manner of sicknesses, infirmities, diseases and illness it was also true that Jesus would send forth His twelve disciples whom He would ordain and appoint as apostles. Within these passages of Scripture we encounter and come face to face with the unbelievable and wonderful reality of the Lord Jesus ordaining and appointing the twelve apostles who would go before His face as ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven who would have authority over sickness, over every unclean spirit and even over death itself to raise the dead. The Lord Jesus would indeed send forth His twelve disciples into the midst of the cities, towns and villages during those days and it would be in direct response to those these twelve apostles would go forth into those places whithersoever they were sent and would even return unto Him speaking of that which they had done, performed and accomplished in His name. This is something we must needs pay close and careful attention to for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful and beautiful truth of the Lord Jesus speaking unto the disciples and calling them unto Himself that He might send them forth into the cities, towns and villages teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven—and not only teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven but also healing the sick, casting out devils, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers and being an extension of the ministry which He Himself would engage in the earth. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the tenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke. Within the twenty chapter of the New Testament gospel written by the physician Luke we encounter Jesus sending out seventy more individuals before His face whom He would send out two by two. If you take the time to read the words found in this passage of Scripture you can and will be brought face to face with the undeniable truth surrounding these seventy and how Jesus had already sent out the twelve apostles before His face as an extension of His ministry and now we find the Lord Jesus sending forth seventy others whom He would ordain and appoint to go before His face into every city, town and village teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. What we find in the tenth chapter of the New Testament gospel written by Luke are another seventy—who these seventy we are Scripture is entirely unclear for their names are not mentioned. How absolutely incredible it is to think about the fact that Jesus would send forth another seventy individuals—perhaps they were all men, perhaps they were all women or perhaps they were a combination of both. Jesus would indeed send forth another seventy into the cities, towns and villages whom He would give authority over sickness, over unclean spirits, and with the mandate of teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. Oh there is something truly unique about the words we find in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible and wonderful reality of the Lord Jesus ordaining and appointing seventy others as ambassadors of the kingdom whose names we do not and will never know. There is absolutely nothing in this passage that indicates or presents us with the names of these individuals and the only thing we know is that they were sent out by the Lord Jesus—and not only that they were sent out by the Lord Jesus but that they would also return speaking of that which they had accomplished and performed during those days. Oh having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the tenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse: “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labour era are few: pray y therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labvourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither pause, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you. Not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleave the on us, we do wipe off against your: not wist handing be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city” (Luke 10:1-12). “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17-20). I have to admit that I absolutely love the words which are found in these two passages of Scripture for what we find here is that in addition to the Lord Jesus ordaining and appointing His twelve disciples whom He would send forth as apostles He would also ordain and appoint seventy others whom He would send forth to go before His face. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding those who were ordained and appointed by the Lord Jesus to go before His face into the cities, towns and villages teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. There were a total of eighty-two—including the disciples themselves—whom Jesus would send before His face during those days who would be entrusted in ministry unto the lost sheep of Israel. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for while we do in fact witness and behold the Lord Jesus himself going forth into every city, town and village teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all manner of sickness, infirmity, disease as well as cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, and giving sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf we find Him giving authority unto eighty-two others to engage in the same type of ministry which He Himself had. Oh how absolutely wonderful and incredible it is to read the words presented in the first three gospel narratives for within it we are indeed brought face to face with a secondary ministry which took place in the gospels—namely the ministry of the twelfth apostles of Christ and the seventy others whom He would send forth before His face into the cities, towns and villages. OH it is absolutely unmistakable when reading the words found in these passages of Scripture that there was indeed a ministry which was ordained and appointed during those days which was a ministry of healing, a ministry of cleansing, a ministry of deliverance and even a ministry of raising the dead. There were eighty-two who were specifically ordained and appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ to go forth into the cities, towns and villages that they might minister unto those whom the Lord Jesus referred to as “the lost sheep of Israel.” I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found within these passages of Scripture for they help serve as a powerful transition into another type of ministry within the gospel—one which I am absolutely convinced does not receive merely as much credit or attention. There are many who would like to focus their attention on the ministry of Jesus within the gospels and will even allow and afford discussion and conversation concerning the ministry which the apostles and the other seventy were ordained and appointed to, however, there are very few who truly engage themselves in a conversation concerning a form of ministry which I am convinced is something which is more often than not forgotten and neglected. There is a great emphasis on ministry as it pertains to teaching and preaching and yet there is very little that is spent focusing on a ministry which I am convinced is just as important—if not more important. I am sitting here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but be brought face to face with the truly wonderful truth surrounding this ministry which is not one that has anything to do with man but has everything to do with ministry unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is indeed true that when we read the four gospels we find the twelve apostles as well as the seventy others engaging themselves in ministry unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel during those days, however, in the eighth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke we find a different type of ministry—one which I would dare say is more often than not overlooked. Oh there is something we must needs recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for within it we find another group of individuals present during the days of the life and ministry of Jesus who did not and would not minister through healing, deliverance, raising the dead, cleansing and the like but would be committed to a completely different form of ministry. The more I think about and consider the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am confronted with the tremendous truth surrounding this type and form of ministry which has absolutely nothing to do with ministry and ministering unto man but everything to do with ministry unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have to admit that in all the years I have spent reading and studying the Scripture this is the first time I have ever noticed this—much less taken the time to write about it. IN the opening verses of the eighth chapter of this gospel we find Jesus teaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of heaven and the disciples being present with Him. With that being said, however, we also find another group of individuals present during those days—individuals who would not engage themselves in any ministry unto men and women during those days but would devote and commit themselves to ministering unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding this ministry which has absolutely nothing to do with ministering to the needs of men but everything to do with ministering unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the opening verses of the eighth chapter we find a group of women whom Jesus had healed and delivered committing and devoting themselves to ministering unto Him, ministering unto His needs and ministering unto Him out of their substance. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the incredibly wonderful reality that while many might think that we have been called to ministry unto men first and foremost this is actually not the case. There is not a doubt in my mind that we have been—first and foremost—called to minister unto the Lord Jesus Christ. These women might never have taught or preached the gospel concerning the kingdom of heaven and they might never have healed the sick, or raised the dead, or cleansed the lepers or anything of the like and yet they would commit themselves to something that was undoubtedly just as important. I read the words which are found in these passages of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the wonderful truth surrounding the women who are mentioned in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but see a truly wonderful and beautiful picture of a ministry which more often than not is forgotten and neglected. What’s more is I find myself being compelled to ask you who might be reading these words whether or not you are one who wakes up each morning just as anxious, just as passionate and just as excited to minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ have a passion within your heart and soul to minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ—and not only minister unto Him but also minister to Him out of and from your substance? When you wake and rise in the morning do you ask yourself how you can minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ from and out of your substance? Are you one who is passionate about ministering unto the Lord Jesus from and out of the substance of your heart? Are you one who is passionate about ministering unto the person of the Lord Jesus from and out of the substance of your soul? Do you awake and rise each morning with the passionate desire to minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus from and out of your substance knowing that before you can ever minister unto men you must first recognize the ministry you have been called to minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Tell me dear brother, tell me dear sister—which is of more importance to you within your life? Is ministry unto men of more importance to you or is ministry unto the person of the Lord Jesus of more importance? In all reality I would dare say that any ministry you think you might have unto man can never and will never rise higher than the ministry you engage yourself unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a great need within our hearts and lives to recognize and understand that we have been called first and foremost to minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ out of our substance—out of the substance of our heart, out of the substance of our spirit, out of the substance of our soul, out of the substance of our worship. Having written this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention four distinct passages found within Scripture concerning a woman who ministered unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ—not only in preparation for His burial but also as a sign and act of worship. I am absolutely convinced that if we want a truly beautiful picture of what it truly means to minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ we must needs pay attention to and consider the narrative(s) and account(s) of this woman who would dare enter into a house uninvited and unannounced and engage herself in a wonderful and powerful act of worship before and unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is something we must needs recognize and understand when reading the four New Testament gospel narratives for within them we are brought face to face with a woman who had something which was undoubtedly precious to her—something which was of great value and worth to her—which she would bring into the presence of Jesus. This woman would take this which was precious, value and of great worth to her and would view it as of little worth and value compared to the person of the Lord Jesus.She would indeed take this precious and costly treasure and would break it at the feet of Jesus that she might pour out her worship before, unto and upon the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. This woman would break that which was costly and previous to her knowing and believing that it was of far less worth than the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. This woman would dare enter into the house in the midst of Bethany that she might pour out her worship—and not just her worship but also hear heart, her soul and her spirit before, unto and upon the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. This woman would indeed give of herself that she might minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ from the substance of what was found in the alabaster box. This woman was not only willing to bring this precious and costly treasure into the house and before the person and presence of the Lord Jesus but she was also willing to pour the contents thereof upon the person of the Lord Jesus. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the four gospels concerning the actions of this woman who would minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus from, with and out of the substance and contents which were present in the alabaster jar: “Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? For she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her” (Matthew 26:6-13). “And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she bake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? She hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and Wheresoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come a forehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her” (Mark 14:3-9). “Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazaretus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always” (John 12:1-8). “And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had hidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touché the him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath. Not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom l title is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that for giveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace” (Luke 7:36-50). It is absolutely necessary to recognize and understand the significance of the words which are presented in each of these passages of Scripture for within them we encounter a woman who was not only willing to minister unto the person of Jesus but a woman who was also willing to minister unto Him out of, from and with the substance of her alabaster jar. Within each of these passages of Scripture we find an alabaster jar front and center with a precious ointment and fragrance being present within. It would be the alabaster jar itself which would be in the way of accessing the contents which were inside and so the woman herself decided to break the alabaster jar in the presence of Jesus that she might pour out the contents thereof upon the physical person of the Lord Jesus. I have to admit that as I sit here today thinking about the words which we see here I can’t help but wonder if the alabaster jar itself could have simply released the contents by pouring it over and upon the physical body of Jesus. Scripture reveals how this alabaster jar was broken in the presence of the Lord Jesus that the contents which were contained inside. Oh if there is something we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words found in these passages of Scripture it’s that not only do we see the breaking but we also see the pouring and pouring out. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for each of them bring us face to face with this woman ministering unto the person of the Lord Jesus breaking the alabaster jar that she might gain access to the contents which were inside. Once this woman gained access to the contents which were inside she would then proceed to take those contents and pour them upon the person and physical body of the Lord Jesus. The more I think about and consider the words which are found in these passages of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding this woman ministering unto the Lord Jesus with and from the substance contained within the alabaster jar. Scripture isn’t clear whether or not this was the only thing of worth and the any thing which was of value to this woman and yet we have to believe that it might very well have been. Pause for a moment and consider the fact that if this was the only and greatest thing of worth and value to this woman she viewed it as being small in comparison to the person upon whom she would pour out the contents of the alabaster jar. Scripture makes it clear that this alabaster jar with the contents therein might have been sold for a fair price which suggests that it might very well have been something of great worth and value to others who might have been willing to purchase it. Stop and consider the fact that this woman might have been able to sell this alabaster jar with the contents therein and received the money which was presented to her from it. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for instead of getting money for the alabaster jar and the contents therein this woman decided tot are it and present it before and in the presence of the Lord Jesus. This woman felt and believed that this alabaster jar and the contents therein was better used in the presence of the Lord Jesus that she might pour it upon the feet of the Lord Jesus. This woman believed within her heart that rather than selling the alabaster jar and the contents therein and pocketing the proceeds for herself she would indeed bring it into the presence of the Lord Jesus and pour the contents therein upon the feet of the Lord Jesus. Oh how absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for this woman would indeed give it all unto the Lord Jesus. As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the incredible truth that while within the gospel narratives we find the apostles and the other seventy who were anointed and sent out by the Lord Jesus to minister for an on behalf of the kingdom of heaven there were others who might never have done any such ministry. The women we read about in the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke might never have healed the sick, they might never have cleansed the lepers, they might never have raised the dead, they might never have driven out unclean spirits and they might never have preached the gospel of the kingdom of heaven and yet that which they would do would be of great worth and importance. These women might never have ministered unto men in their place of need, however, these women would minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh how absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to consider it for the first to receive the proclamation and declaration that Jesus had risen from the dead were some of these same women. Although these women might never have preached the gospel of the kingdom of heaven they would indeed be entrusted with the powerful declaration and message of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. These women who ministered of the Lord Jesus out of and from their substance would indeed be entrusted with what was and is perhaps the greatest declaration and message in all of history . Pause for a moment and think about how significant the declaration and proclamation of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus would have been during those days and has been throughout the years. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for there is something to be said about these women who not only ministered unto the person of the Lord Jesus out of their substance and one who would minister unto the Lord Jesus with her alabaster jar and the ointment which was contained therein. This same woman who would pour out the ointment which was present upon the feet of the Lord Jesus would also be one of the women who would seek to come to the grave that she might anoint the body of the Lord Jesus in the midst of the grave. I have to admit that I absolutely love the words which we find here in these passages of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the truly wonderful and powerful truth surrounding these women and how some of the same women who would minister unto the Lord Jesus out of and from their substance would be some of the same women who would make their way to the tomb early in the morning on the third day that they might continue this ministry. Mary Magdalene who had previously anointed the body of the Lord Jesus with the ointment which was contained within the alabaster jar would seek to come to the tomb to anoint what she believed to be the lifeless body of the Lord Jesus. What this woman along with the others who would come with her would be the stone rolled away, the grave empty, and angelic messengers from heaven proclaiming the truth that they were searching for the living among the dead. These women would show up at the tomb of the Lord Jesus and would be the first to hear the news that the Lord Jesus had indeed been risen from the dead. These women would have returned unto the tomb to continue to minister unto the Lord Jesus although He was dead—at least up until that moment and in their minds. These women would come unto the tomb that they might anoint the physical body of the Lord Jesus which had been buried within the tomb and they would be the first to hear the proclamation and news that He was not there but had risen from the grave. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it draws and calls our attention to the truth surrounding these women who never preached the gospel of the kingdom during those three and a half years the Lord Jesus walked upon the earth and yet they would be those who would proclaim the news of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. These women who would minister unto the Lord Jesus out of and from their substance would indeed be entrusted with the message of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus which they would proclaim unto the disciples themselves who had walked with and followed the Lord Jesus. If there is one thing I can’t help but think about and consider when reading the words present in these passages of Scripture it’s that these women who ministered unto the Lord Jesus from and out of their substance would indeed be some of the very same women who would be the first to hear the truth that the Lord Jesus was not still in the tomb but was risen from the grave. Oh how there is something truly astonishing and unique about those who are willing to minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus from and out of their substance and how those individuals who can and will be entrusted with the truth of the greatest truth and message in all of history. In the beginning and opening chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke we find lowly shepherds being entrusted with the message of the birth of the Messiah during those days and at the end of the same New Testament book we find these women who had ministered unto the Lord Jesus out of their substance being entrusted with the declaration and proclamation of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Oh we must needs understand this for one of—if not the greatest needs within our lives is to minister first and foremost unto the person of the Lord Jesus. There are those who might be skilled in ministering unto the needs of men and women before and around them and yet know absolutely nothing about ministering unto the Lord Jesus Himself. These women ministered unto the Lord Jesus from and out of their substance and as a direct result of this would be entrusted by the living and eternal God to carry with them the proclamation and declaration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This is a tremendous truth we must needs understand within our own lives for we must needs learn how to minister unto the person of the Lord Jesus. Those who give of and commit themselves to ministering unto the person of the Lord Jesus can and very will be those who are entrusted with the proclamation and declaration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. These women ministered unto the Lord Jesus from and out of their substance and after the Lord Jesus would indeed rise from the grave on the third day they would be those who were entrusted with the proclamation and declaration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Let us truly pay attention to and recognize this for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful and powerful truth concerning those who truly learn and know how to minister unto the Lord Jesus out of their substance and who might very well be those who can and will be entrusted with a privilege such as these women who sought to come to the tomb and discovered the Lord Jesus was not only not dead, and not only still within the tomb but had also risen from the grave just as He said He would.