SCRIPTURE: Mark 7:24-30
I’ve reflected on this story before, it’s hard to hear Jesus comparing this woman to a dog.
Jesus seems to be dealing with something specific in this woman’s life (as He normally does with people).
But this passage also allows me an opportunity to think deeper, and to not judge quickly.
At first glance it seems that Jesus is being demeaning to her… but is that the only possibility?
How many times do we THINK we know what a person is saying, but we are mistaken.
This saying sounds like a proverb, could it be that Jesus is quoting a familiar proverb, one that this woman would be familiar with (maybe even one that was used against the Israelite dogs)?
Is this an example of ‘rabbinical’ teaching, where Rabbis would use stories and proverbs to provoke their followers to think, to learn… notice how Jesus commends her on her reply.
My point here is that we should not be so quick to judge or dismiss Jesus because of this story; based on His life and teaching it seems more likely that there is a good, loving reason why He spoke to her this way, and that this became a great opportunity for Him to share the love and mercy of God with someone.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are love in action. I choose to believe that this – and other difficult encounters with You – are expressions of Your deep love and wisdom, dealing with me according to my deep need and brokenness. Thank You for loving me this much!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Jesus entered a house to get some time to himself. But even there his presence was not kept secret. Jesus was famous, and this was because of the healing ministry and teaching that he did with the crowds following him. I can imagine Jesus telling people when he was off duty that they would have to come back later when he was having a service. But this was not the case here. Jesus listened to this woman, who was not even a Jew, and healed her daughter, who wasn’t event present in the house. Jesus shows compassion, and cares for people who don’t deserve it. This shows that when we ask, he will answer. God wants to care for his people, all we need to do is ask.
I pray that I will ask for help when I need it. I try to do everything by my own strength. I pray that I will make time for others, even when I feel tired, and think that I need a break.
Observation/Application
Jesus could not travel without the people knowing of His whereabouts. So too, this woman, who was a Gentile.
Jesus had come for His people but His own did not receive Him. His children were fed but . . . were still hungry. The dogs represented the Gentiles and the woman – a Gentile – was happy even to receive a crumb of the living bread dropped from the table (God’s grace/mercy}. Great was her faith in the ‘BreadMaker.’ She was filled and happy by His Word. She lived for Jesus.
Prayer
Living for Jesus, may I never take His Word for granted. Everyday, His bread needs to fill me anew. Help me this day Lord to live in the power of Your mercy and grace for only You can give LIFE and LIFE eternal.
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
[or Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer…]
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.