“I’ll Get the Bill”

November 16, 2020

Scripture 

Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. (Luke 8:1-3 NRSV)

“I’ll Get the Bill”

It’s quite a picture. Jesus, the Twelve and some women stopping from their travels for a meal. When the waiter arrives with the bill Mary or Joanna or Susanna say “I’ll take that” and pays it – for a circle that has seen the leader miraculously feed 5000. But out of their resources and with gratitude they supported his work.

Jesus loved sitting around meal tables – there must have been hundreds – all occasions for someone to pay the bill. After Mary or Susanna or Joanna said, “Let me buy lunch”, Jesus would say “Thank you”. On any one of those occasions he could have snapped his fingers and provided for them, but he offered the gift of providing to these beloved women.

When we are praying for the needs of our world it is good to be reminded that Jesus often gives us the gift of providing for those needs – answering our own prayers. In the mess of the pandemic we often wish it was just over by the sweep of God’s hand, but he walks with us in the struggle giving each of us the grace to serve and give.

A Prayer for Today

O God, you walked in Jesus with the Twelve plus Mary, Joanna, Susanna and other women. You had healed them, given them hope and a place in your circle. They risked their resources and positions to travel with you and support your work in gratitude. You walk with us still in Jesus, giving us hope, courage, forgiveness and community. Out of gratitude we serve you in others who come across our path - and as with those women you might say “Thank you” …. For Jesus’ sake.