BENEFICIARIES AND BENEFACTORS OF PRACTICAL MISSION WORK: AN EXEGETICAL STUDY OF LUKE 8:1-3

Abstract

The growing body of research on the focal Bible text, Luke 8:1-3, has addressed the nuances of breaking cultural barriers, since Jesus elevated the roles of women in his ministry; and empowering women for Christian leadership position. Notwithstanding, there remains a notable knowledge gap in contextualising it to bear in the emphasis on lethargic attitude of certain Christians towards generous contribution and its adverse effect on mission efforts. The study argued that practical Christian mission works depend on divine provision to thrive, which is often facilitated through human charity and or generosity. Objectively, the study postulated that, the practice of harnessing, that is, pooling financial resources together, for the purpose of effective Christian mission work is biblical, and it remains the most viable, if not the only practicable means to fund effective Christian mission work. Utilising historical- critical exegetical method, the study attempted exegesis of Luke 8: 1-3. It analysed biblical model of giving, emphasising the women’s transformation through healing, discipleship, and partnership in missions. Findings revealed that, purpose-driven mission work precedes material generosity, as the women in Luke 8:1–3 became committed followers of Jesus before releasing their resources. It concluded that, when people have the joys of the gospel, when they feel the consolations of religion themselves, they will somehow or another find means to contribute to the welfare of others. Recommendations included that present day gospel ministers should prioritise discipleship, addressing specific believers’ needs, promoting sense of belonging and partnerships among believers. Present day believers in Christ should be more intentional and make deliberate efforts to support Christian mission works both in cash and kind.