In brief
Joanna is a disciple of Jesus, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager. Healed of evil spirits or diseases, she follows Jesus with other women and supports him out of her means. At the resurrection, she is among the women who go to the tomb at dawn, hear the angels' message and report it to the apostles. Her path shows a faith that expresses itself in generosity and witness, even when others hesitate to believe.
What does the name Joanna mean?
The name Joanna is generally linked to a Hebrew name meaning "the LORD is gracious" or "the LORD has shown grace." The Bible gives no explanation of this name. Luke introduces her this way: Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager (Luke 8:3).
The story of Joanna
A healed disciple
Luke 8:1-2Jesus goes on from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve are with him, as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases. Joanna is part of this group of women who follow Jesus.
She supports Jesus out of her means
Luke 8:3Luke specifies that Joanna is the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager. With Susanna and many others, she provides for Jesus and his disciples out of her means. Coming from a background close to power, she puts her resources at the service of the gospel, alongside other women who do the same around Jesus.
At the tomb
Luke 24:1-8On the first day of the week, some women go to the tomb at dawn, carrying the spices they had prepared. They find the stone rolled away and do not see the body of the Lord. Two men in dazzling clothes ask them why they look for the living among the dead. They remember Jesus' words.
She announces the resurrection
Luke 24:9-11On their return, they tell all this to the eleven and to all the others. Luke names Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others. The apostles consider these words nonsense and do not believe them. Joanna is nonetheless among the first witnesses.
What Joanna teaches us
- A person healed by Jesus is called to follow him and serve him.
- Putting your means at the service of the gospel is a concrete act of faith.
- God can call disciples even from the circles closest to power.
- Even when a testimony is not believed right away, it still needs to be proclaimed.
Key verses
Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, Susanna and many others provide for Jesus out of their means. This verse shows the material support women gave to his ministry.
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the others tell the apostles about the resurrection. Joanna is thus named among the first witnesses of the empty tomb.
The apostles consider these words nonsense and do not believe the women. The verse underlines the courage of those who spoke despite the doubt.
Sermons about Joanna
Frequently asked questions
Who was Joanna in the Bible?
Joanna is a disciple of Jesus, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager. After being healed, she follows Jesus and supports him out of her means (Luke 8:1-3). She is also named among the women who announce the resurrection to the apostles (Luke 24:10).
What does the name Joanna mean?
Her name is generally linked to a Hebrew name meaning "the LORD is gracious." The Bible gives no explanation of this name. The text above all presents what she did: follow Jesus, support him and bear witness.
Where can I find the story of Joanna in the Bible?
Joanna is mentioned twice in the Gospel of Luke: in Luke 8:1-3, where she supports Jesus out of her means with other women, and in Luke 24:1-10, where she is among the women who announce the resurrection.