The Price Of Leadership- Joanna, Wife Of Chuza Series

Most people have some influence. I challenge you make it your goal to influence the the people right under your nose. Those already in life presently, can profit from your example, teaching, & guidance. As most of you know, we raised 3 sons, all college graduates, living out victory in their marriages, careers & faith. Debbie & I have no regrets about the time and devotion we invested in their lives as they grew up.I cannot stress enough to you the importance of your influence at home, and if you do it well there, God will broaden in time to others.

Joanna obviously used her influence in Herods kingdom.

*In Acts 13:1 we read of Manaen, an officer in Herods kingdom following Christ.

*In Romans 16:11 we read of the “Herodion” who was one of Herod’s officers as a believer.

These came to Christ AFTER Joanna, which implies she probably influenced them.

4. LEADERSHIP IS LOYALTY. One common denominator in great leaders is Loyalty. Jesus spoke of it in terms of a “Man laying down his life for his friends”. Loyalty is rare. It’s spoken of often but demonstrated rarely.

Now there are 3 descriptions we need to be familiar with in regards to loyalty:

(1) DISLOYALTY. This is when someone pretends to be your friend and betrays you behind your back. David experienced this when he said, “If it had been an enemy, I would have understood, but it was my friend who betrayed me, we went to the house of God together”

(2) AH-LOYALTY. This is the person who doesn’t say anything bad about you or betray you, but they listen to betrayal or criticism and don’t speak up or defend you. They may even tell you, “So & so said this about you.” The question I always ask is “And what did you say?” You see, In their minds they think they should be commended for telling you what they heard/

(3) LOYALTY. This is when someone steps up and speaks up. This type person considers it an honor to defend their friend.

Joanna’s way of life was one of Loyalty to Christ. She stayed with him all the way through the crucifixion. She was one of those who went to anoint his body at death. She was there at his resurrection. After her husband Chuza died, she didn’t receive much inheritance. She went to work for other families and raised her son but it appears from history that her faith never waned at all.

Humberto de Campo’s description of her dying moments reveal her loyalty to her LORD. We’re told that on August 27, year 68 AD,, Joanna, along with her son were executed for their faith in Christ.

As she was being burned alive along with her son, one of her tormentors said to her, “Has Christ only taught you how to die? To which she replied,

“Not only how to die, but how to love you!”. These were her last recorded words.

Do you see why this often overlooked lady of scripture needed to be known to us today? Joanna, wife of Chuza, is and example that inspires us to pay the price for leadership the Biblical way.

Closing Prayer. “Father help our BPL members to continue to grow, sacrifice, lay hold of their calling & not turn back, sell out, or quit. Give them influence in the lives of others & leadership skills that honor you”