Who Was Chuza?
Chuza appears in Scripture as a significant figure in the household of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. As the steward of the king's household, Chuza held one of the most trusted and influential positions in the royal court. The word "steward" indicates he managed the king's estates, finances, and domestic affairs—a role requiring both competence and unwavering loyalty. While Chuza himself is mentioned only briefly in the Gospels, his presence in Scripture reminds us that Jesus's influence extended even into the corridors of political power.
We know of Chuza primarily through his wife Joanna, who is mentioned in Luke's Gospel. In Luke 8:3, Luke records that Joanna, along with Mary Magdalene and other women, "were contributing to their support out of their own means." This detail is remarkable because it shows how the gospel message penetrated even royal households, transforming hearts and loosening purse strings for the work of the kingdom. That Joanna was willing to use her resources to support Jesus while her husband served the very king who would eventually play a role in Jesus's trial speaks volumes about her courage and conviction.
A Household Divided by Faith
One of the most intriguing aspects of Chuza's story is what it implies about his household. While we have no explicit record that Chuza himself became a follower of Jesus, his wife's commitment to Jesus and financial support of His ministry suggests fascinating dynamics within their home. Joanna's presence among the women at the resurrection (Luke 24:10) shows she was a devoted disciple who had witnessed Jesus's crucifixion and rushed to anoint His body—an act of tremendous risk given her husband's position in Herod's court.
This scenario presents us with a biblical reality that many modern believers face: households divided in spiritual conviction. Chuza's silence in Scripture regarding his own faith journey doesn't mean he rejected the gospel, but rather that his story remains incomplete in our biblical record. Perhaps his greatest legacy is the testimony of his wife's unwavering faith despite living in a home where the king himself opposed Jesus.
Lessons for Our Lives Today
Chuza's household teaches us that the gospel works silently and powerfully within families and institutions. Joanna's example shows us that Christian conviction sometimes means taking unpopular stands, even within our own homes and social circles. Her willingness to support Jesus financially, despite her husband's position serving the king, demonstrates the priority she gave to God's kingdom over earthly security and status.
For us today, Chuza's story reminds us to pray for those in positions of authority and influence, and to recognize that God can work within any household. Whether we face opposition at home, in our workplaces, or in our communities, we can find courage in Joanna's steadfast faith and remember that our ultimate allegiance belongs to King Jesus.
And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for him out of their means. (Luke 8:3, ESV)