Crumbs for the ‘dogs’!
Scripture reading for February 18: Mark 7
“And from there He arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet He could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of Him and came and fell at His feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she said to Him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” And He said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.” Mark 7:24-30
Jesus was on a mission to the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon. He entered a particular house and wanted to remain anonymous but could not be hidden. A woman whose daughter was possessed by a demon spirit came and fell at Jesus’ feet. Although a Gentile, she humbly appealed to Jesus the Jew for deliverance. Jesus responded in a curious way–almost seeming to disrespect her for being a Gentile. The Jews of that day called the Gentiles ‘dogs’ and Jesus seemed to imply that deliverance belonged only to the Jews who were considered God’s ‘children’. Jesus was not disrespecting her but was drawing out her faith and perseverance. All God’s blessings are received by faith, whether in a Jew or a Gentile.
The woman would not be offended or angered, but simply responded that even ‘dogs’ (Gentiles) would be given crumbs from the table of the Jews! Jesus marveled at her faith and granted her prayer quickly! She went home and found the child was delivered and well! Her trust in Jesus is still being used to inspire faith and perseverance!
Have you ever had to persevere to get what you needed for yourself or your children? How might you have reacted to Jesus’ statement about not giving the ‘children’s’ bread to dogs? Do you have a tendency to discount your chances of receiving your answer because of your background or race?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that you do not show favoritism but whoever calls on Your Name will be saved. Thank you for helping us by testing our faith and our perseverance and drawing out of us faith confessions. I praise You that we all can be ‘children of God’ regardless of race or background! Amen!
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