DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
March 4, 2026
READ: Luke 8 (Focus vs. 1-3)
MEMORY VERSE
“These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” Luke 8:3
BACKGROUND
After wiping down tables with disinfectant, Shelia stooped to tie a garbage bag filled with used cups and plates. She heaved the bag over her shoulder and turned to survey the church’s multipurpose room. She’d volunteered to clean it for the next gathering and wanted to make sure it was ready.
A thought fluttered through her mind: Would anyone notice?
It’s easy to wonder if our everyday contributions to the kingdom are valued. Whether we clean, balance spreadsheets, lead a Bible study, or give money, so many of us remain unseen in our places of service and unnamed in public commendations.
In Luke 8:1-2, the historian catalogs the faithful service of women in the ministry of Jesus. He lists three by name from among the women freed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary of Magdalene; Joanna the wife of Chuza, who managed Herod’s household; and Susanna.
Then Luke says, “Many others . . . were helping to support [Jesus and His disciples] out of their own means” (v. 3). Luke spotlights these unnamed women who invested themselves in supporting the gospel, and so underlines their value.
Just as God includes unnamed women in His account of valuable contributions to His kingdom, He sees our efforts. He knows our names (John 10:3), and He sees our investment in His work (Hebrews 6:10).
Elisa Morgan
INSIGHT
Luke gives more attention to Jesus’ interactions with women than any other gospel writer.
The women—both named and unnamed—mentioned in Luke 8:1-3 are one example, but others include His encounter with the widow of Nain (7:11-17), the “sinful” woman (vv. 36-50), Mary and Martha (10:38-42), a disabled woman (13:10-17), and the women who “mourned and wailed for him” prior to His crucifixion (23:27).
Luke 2 also includes an extended account of Mary’s experience prior to Christ’s birth. In the ancient world, women were often undervalued or devalued, but Jesus elevated their status by showing great care for them.
This can remind us today that when we feel undervalued and overlooked by others, we can be assured that we’re valued by God. He sees and knows all that we do in His name.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
When have you felt overlooked and undervalued? How does knowing that God included unnamed women in His catalog of contributions encourage you?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…when we feel undervalued and overlooked by others, we can be assured that we’re valued by God… when we feel undervalued and overlooked by others, we can be assured that we’re valued by God.
PR’s TAKE
“…Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:4-6*
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 esv
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You that You see me, know me, and value all I give You.
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“IT’S NOT IN VAIN” Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
It’s not in vain
It’s not in vain
What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain
Do all you can for Him
He will reward you in the end
What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain
We’ll be rewarded
We’ll wear a crown
When all our work on earth is done
We’ll be rewarded
He’ll call us by our name
What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain
No, it’s not in vain
It’s not in vain
What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain
Do all you can for Him
He will reward you in the end
What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain
We’ll be rewarded
We’ll wear a crown
When all our work on earth is done
We’ll be rewarded
He’ll call us by our name
What you do for Jesus Christ is not in vain
Don’t be discouraged
Keep pressing on
Because it’s not in vain
