21 Days of Prayer: Joanna

21 Days of Prayer / with Pastor Blake

The Story I’ll Tell / Ordinary People / Joanna (Luke 8:1-3) Day 26

OPENING – WHO I AM / SETTING THE MOMENT (2–3 min)

Hey everyone—good morning.

FUN IMAGINATION PROMPT (VERY ENGAGING)

Script:

“Let’s have a little fun as people jump on.”

Prompt ideas:

👉 If you could have breakfast with anyone from the Bible (besides Jesus), who would it be?

My answer: I’d want to have breakfast with Joseph the son of Jacob and Daniel Why? God spoke to these man through their dreams, and in the last couple of years, God has has used dreams as an invitation for me to commune with Him. I’d love to have a table side conversation with Joseph and Daniel and glean from their wealth of understanding of how God speaks through dreams.

“Before we jump in, I want to ask one more question…something really simple—

no right or wrong answers.”

Prompt ideas:

👉 What’s one word you’d use to describe this season of your life or in your walk with God?

“That’s beautiful.”

“Thank you for sharing that.”

“God sees that.”

TRANSITION

“I love seeing these responses—real people, real lives, real moments. That’s exactly why I love the story we’re looking at today.”

Well hey, I’m Blake, Worship Pastor at our Goodrich Campus, husband to Megan, dad to Coasten, Atlas, and Amairah and I’m really grateful you’re here with us today as we continue our 21 Days of Prayer!

“Before we jump in, Today’s my wife Meg’s birthday, and since I’m not home this morning, I just want to honor her for a second. Meg, happy birthday…you live your life with quiet strength, deep love, and a faith that shows up in everyday moments. I’m really grateful for who you are and for the way you carry our family with grace. You’re my best friend, and I love you!”

Now, I don’t know about you, but the last couple of weeks have been powerful.

I’ve been amazed watching people press in—through prayer, fasting, slowing down, opening God’s Word, and believing Him for more.

SERIES CONTEXT – “THE STORY I’LL TELL” (2–3 min)

This past week we finished up a beautiful sermon series called “The Story I’ll Tell.”

And Pastor Curt framed it so well at the beginning of the 21 Days of Prayer guide, when he wrote:

God’s extraordinary work is most often revealed through ordinary people.

People with real lives.

Real questions.

Real pain.

Real faith.

They weren’t perfect.

They weren’t polished.

They were simply willing.

And when their stories unfold…

God’s story is declared.

That’s what these 21 days are about—remembering and telling.

Remembering what God has done.

And learning how to tell His story through our story.

INTRODUCING JOANNA – LUKE 8:1–3 (READ SCRIPTURE) (2–3 min)

Today, I want to focus on someone we don’t talk about a lot—but Scripture makes sure we don’t forget her.

Her name is Joanna or Ioana (ee-oh-AH-nuh) in the Greek pronunciation because the New Testament was written in Greek.

Let me read Luke 8:1–3:

Soon afterward, Jesus began a ministry tour throughout the country, visiting cities and villages to announce the wonderful news of God’s kingdom realm. His twelve disciples traveled with him 2 and also a number of women who had been healed of many illnesses under his ministry and set free from demonic power. Jesus had cast out seven demons from one woman. Her name was Mary Magdalene, for she was from the village of Magdala. Among the women were (soo ZAN uh) Susanna and 3 Joanna, the wife of (KOO-zuh) Chusa, who managed King Herod’s household. Many other women who supported Jesus’ ministry from their own personal finances also traveled with him.1

1 Brian Simmons, trans., The Passion Translation (BroadStreet Publishing, 2017), Lk 8:1–3..

(Pause there.)

That’s easy to read quickly—but there is so much going on in those verses.

WHO WAS JOANNA? (3–4 min)

Joanna wasn’t someone who lived on the fringe of society.

She was married to (KOO-zuh) Chuza, a high-ranking official in Herod Antipas’ household.

That means:

She lived close to power

Close to wealth

Close to influence

Close to Herod Antipas, ruler over the region Jesus ministered.

Joanna being married to Chuza mattered because Herod Antipas was one of the most powerful—and hostile—figures to Jesus’ ministry.

Herod Antipas was:

The ruler over Galilee where Jesus ministered

The man who imprisoned and executed John the Baptist

Someone who later mocked Jesus during His trial

Chuza wasn’t just a servant—he managed Herod’s household, meaning Joanna lived inside the political system that opposed Jesus.

So when Joanna followed Jesus:

She wasn’t rebelling from the margins

She was risking life at the center of power

Her faith put her in direct tension with Herod’s kingdom

She had status.

She had security.

She had resources.

And Scripture tells us she had also been healed by Jesus.

Something happened in her life that changed everything.

And instead of quietly being grateful…

Instead of staying comfortable…

Instead of protecting her position…

She followed Jesus.

She traveled with Him.

She learned from Him.

She financially supported the ministry.

And she did it knowing it would cost her something.

TEACHING POINT #1 – DISCIPLESHIP OFTEN COSTS US SOMETHING (3–4 min)

Joanna’s story reminds us that discipleship isn’t theoretical.

It’s not just what we believe.

It’s what we align ourselves with.

Following Jesus placed her in direct tension with Herod’s kingdom.

Earthly power vs. Heavenly authority.

Security vs. surrender.

Comfort vs. calling.

There’s a good chance her faith cost her:

Social standing

Political favor

Financial security

And yet—she stayed.

Can I ask you a gentle question today?

👉 Is following Jesus costing you anything right now?

Comfort? Control? Reputation? Certainty?

If so—you’re in good company. I resonate with Jenn Rigg, who did our Facebook Live on Saturday.

I like control, good outcomes, comfort, ease.

There are and have so many instances since I’ve become a follower of Jesus where I have had to give something costly to me. And there have been many times where I’ve also chosen not to give those costly things.

Thank God for His amazing grace and constant pursuit of us, right?

Transition + Contrast

That question—“Is there anything that’s costing you to follow Jesus?”—

actually brings to mind another story from Luke’s Gospel.

In Luke 18:18–30, we meet a young, wealthy ruler who comes to Jesus with what sounds like a sincere question:

“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus listens to him, speaks with compassion, and then lovingly presses on the one place that still had a grip on his heart.

He tells him to sell what he has, give to the poor, and follow Him.

And the man walks away sad.

Not because Jesus was unkind.

Not because the invitation wasn’t good.

But because there was competition in his heart.

His wealth—his security, his identity, his control—was still rivaling Jesus.

Joanna vs. the Rich Ruler

When you place that story next to Joanna, the contrast is striking.

This young official wanted eternal life, but couldn’t release what stood in the way.

Joanna, on the other hand, heard Jesus’ words—and responded with her life.

She left her home.

Her status.

Her position.

Her proximity to power.

She chose God’s Kingdom over everything else.

Same Jesus.

Same call.

Very different responses.

Heart Question

So here’s another question for us today:

👉 Where’s the competition?

What is competing in our hearts right now for Jesus?

For me, one of the things that has competed with wholehearted devotion to Christ has been disillusionment.

Personal Vulnerability (Refined + Grounded)

Over the past year and a half, I’ve wrestled with sadness and frustration over hopes, dreams, and desires that didn’t turn out the way I expected—or haven’t come to pass yet.

I’ve found myself grieving things I thought God was going to do differently.

And honestly, I’ve battled cynicism in seasons where I’ve always been more of an optimist.

Because of that, there have been moments—maybe for the first time in years—where I’ve felt a quiet apathy creep into my walk with God.

Moments where trusting Jesus’ plan for my future didn’t come easily. Moments where I’ve felt so unseen despite my faithfulness.

Grace-Filled Resolution

And yet,

God never left me.

He never condemned me.

Instead, He’s met me His love and with grace.

He has been speaking to me clearly—through His Word, through prayer, and even through dreams—restoring joy and hope in my heart for what’s ahead.

He’s gently shown me where there was competition in my heart, not to shame me—but to heal me.

And He’s helping me realign my priorities, so I can follow Him again day by day with trust.

Personal Application:

Maybe you’re in these 21 Days and you are in the waiting like me.

You might be tempted to be disillusioned because the enemy is feeding you that lie that God isn’t hearing your prayers or that He doesn’t care.

Earlier I mentioned Daniel being someone I would love to sit down with and have breakfast with and we see a powerful thing happen in Daniel chapter 10. Basically it says, the angel of the Lord came to see Daniel after he had been fasting and praying for almost 3 weeks because there was still no answer from God. Get this. First he says “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God.”..You are treasured by God my friends.

He then goes on to say, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel…for from the first day that you purposed to understand and humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers.

Guys, there’s so much that happens in the unseen realm. If you read the rest of the story, the angel explains the spiritual warfare that’s going on. There is a war going on for our breakthrough - but God treasures us and He hears our prayers and He will bring about the promise He made to us in the waiting. Sometimes he’s just forming us into the person He wants us to be so that we can handle the promise He will pour out. Don’t give up, keep going. Let today be a fresh start for you and let’s dive in together this week.

Back to Joanna.

Bridge Back to Joanna

Joanna reminds me—and maybe reminds us—that discipleship isn’t about perfection.

Discipleship is about recognizing what’s competing for our hearts…

and choosing to be faithful..choosing to follow Jesus anyway.

TRANSITION: COMPETITION → COMMITMENT

When I put Joanna next to the rich young ruler, this stands out to me:

Both met Jesus.

Both were invited deeper.

Both had something to lose.

But only one kept following when the cost became clear.

Joanna’s story isn’t just about starting with Jesus—it’s about staying with Him.

TEACHING POINT #2 – FAITHFUL THROUGH THE ENTIRE STORY

Joanna doesn’t disappear when things get hard.

Luke introduces her early in Jesus’ ministry—walking with Him, learning from Him, supporting the work.

And she’s still there at the end.

After the crowds thin out.

After the miracles slow down.

At the cross.

And on resurrection morning.

In Luke 24, Joanna is named again—standing at the empty tomb, entrusted with the message that Jesus is alive.

An ordinary woman.

A quiet disciple.

A faithful follower.

God trusted her with resurrection news.

PERSONAL APPLICATION – YOUR STORY MATTERS

Joanna never preached, led crowds, or worked miracles—yet Scripture remembers her.

Why?

Because faithfulness tells a story.

Some of you may feel unseen, ordinary, or quiet in your faith—but heaven sees you.

Your story is part of His story.

Joanna shows us that discipleship isn’t a moment—it’s choosing Jesus again and again.

And that’s the faith God’s been calling me back into: faithful faith.

SOFT LANDING QUESTION

So maybe the question isn’t just,

“What’s competing for your heart?”

But also:

👉 Will you keep following Jesus—even here? Even now?

Because that’s where resurrection stories begin.

RESPONSE & PRAYER (3–4 min)

I want to invite you to respond today.

If Joanna’s story stirred something in you—

If you feel God inviting you into deeper surrender—

If following Jesus has been costly lately—

👉 Type “I’m in” in the chat.

We want to pray with you.

Let me pray for us.

Prayer:

“Jesus, thank You for meeting ordinary people with extraordinary grace.

Thank You for Joanna—for her faithfulness, her courage, her surrender.

Teach us to follow You with the same trust.

To give without control.

To stay when it’s costly.

To believe our story matters.

Use our lives to tell Yours.

Amen.”

CLOSING / ANNOUNCEMENTS (1–2 min)

Thank you for praying with us today.

Join us again tomorrow at 7 a.m.

Share this video so others can join the journey.

Join us for our prayer night at our Goodrich Campus this Wednesday at 7 p.m. and our upcoming Night of Worship at our Clarkston Campus this Sunday at 6 pm!