Unsung Heroines-Susanna

Introduction: Susanna is only mentioned once in Scripture, but it’s in a very positive light. She was one of the unsung heroines who ministered to Jesus and the disciples during His days of ministering on this earth.

Text: Luke 8:1-3, KJV: 1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Thoughts: Susanna was one of the many women who “ministered unto (Jesus) of their substance”, or gave of her personal wealth to support the Lord in His ministry. We don’t know anything more about her, such as her age, marital status, family, personal wealth, or even what she gave to the Lord.

But we do know she was one of many who did just that, and the Lord had to be grateful for all that she and the others did. Maybe she didn’t have a whole lot to give, like Joanna, whose husband was one of Herod’s personal staff! We don’t even know if she made clothing like Dorcas or Tabitha (two names for the same woman, per Acts 9:36-42).

We also know that whatever she did, and whatever she gave, there is no hint that she wanted any glory or recognition for herself. Compare her selfless gifts with, say, that of Ananias and Sapphira some years later (Acts 5). Luke was led of the Holy Spirit to mention her, but only here, and as far as we can tell, she was okay with that. Perhaps she knew that she was laying up “treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20)” when she helped the Lord and His disciples.

You and I may know any number of Susannas, those who are little known and aren’t among those who get recognized. For them, that’s fine; they don’t seek it and few of them even want it. They’re happy to know their gifts, even though seldom if ever mentioned on this earth, will be used by the Lord as He sees best.

Could you be a Susanna, a quiet but faithful follower of the Lord like her?

Scripture quotations taken from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV).