Luke 8:1-3 (ESV)

Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

One of the beautiful things about Christianity is how it ignores many things that society treasures. Wealth does not make one important. High office doesn’t transfer either. Neither does high education.

Mary Magdalene couldn’t have had less status. I wouldn’t get within 50 feet of someone possessed by seven demons. She had zero friends when Jesus healed her.

But right there in the same sentence is Joanna, who’s at the other end of the status spectrum. She was apparently healed of some sort of infirmity and has now joined with Mary and the apostles following Jesus. They’re all the same in the kingdom of God.

There’s also Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. Note how wealth does matter. Having the means to provide support isn’t status, but it’s still useful. Natural assets and talents aren’t despised in the kingdom of God; they’re just not idolized.

Everyone has a role in God’s kingdom. They’re all glorious. Some tasks may feel humble, but they’re often among the most essential.

When blizzards hit the Washington, DC area, the local radio stations often announce, “Only essential employees need report to work.” This means the highest paid people can stay home. It’s the lower paid folks that keep the lights on.

I don’t know why our society is so messed up like that, but the kingdom of God isn’t.

One of the most important jobs in every church is teaching children’s Sunday School. It has a huge impact on kids and is typically one of the largest programs in a church. Keeping it staffed is a never ending task.

Always pray for your church’s Sunday School. Ask the Lord to provide more top quality teachers and other volunteers.

And get involved. One important thing you can do is to encourage the teachers. They give up a lot to do this and the load can burn people out.

Also consider helping directly. You don’t need to feel gifted to give this a try. Every teacher started out as an assistant.

On the job training is one of the ways that God grows us.

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies