40 There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome,
41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

Mark 15:40-41

When you read, “…ministered to Him,” you may not really understand what these women did to Jesus. However, when you read Luke 8:2-3, you find that certain women including Mary Magdalene were with Jesus and they “… provided for Him from their substance” (Luke 8:3).

The word “substance” means possessions, wealth, goods, property, the thing which one has. These women followed Jesus to care for His needs. Jesus had needs. He needed money and other things, and these things He needed did not make Him carnal, rather they increased the impact of His ministry.

These women supported the ministry of Jesus from their own resources. Maybe some of them washed His clothes. Others may have used their means of transportation to move Him around. Yet others with the ability to cook well would have made sure that His meals were taken care of, while He ministered. Just like these women, you also have something to give. You may have a lot of money, which you can keep giving to the work of the ministry. Or what you’ve got may not look big in your eyes; but if it is driven by your thankful heart, and you let it go, God will receive it and He will reward you.

What drives your distribution of your substance? What drives your distribution of your possessions? What drives your distribution of your wealth? What drives your distribution of your property? Or do you distribute anything at all? Who is behind the steering wheel of those cars you drive? Who is behind those clothes you own? Who is behind your bank accounts? If you can just remember what He has done for you, then you would have a thankful heart, and you would let go of what you have for His ministry. Nobody would have to coerce you. This is how you know you have a thankful heart.

Confession:
Father, I have a thankful heart for all You have done for me. I will forever use my substance and material possessions to express my gratitude to You.