Jesus response to a desperate woman with a demon-possessed child seems so mean, “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” (Mark 7:27)
He
didn't just refuse her. He called her a dog! That’s not the
response she (or we) expected. The woman was not Jewish. The Jews
considered all Gentiles (non-Jews) to be unclean, contaminated by
paganism and impurity. Jesus' response is as much for the audience of
supporters and enemies as it is for the woman. He is saying that he
should finish his ministry in Israel before branching out.
Paul
would later write, "I am not ashamed of the good news because it
is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believers:
first for the Jew and then for the Gentile." (Romans
1:16)
The
woman's rebuttal is amazing. She uses Jesus imagery to make her case
saying that even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the children’s
table. She needed a miracle for her child that only Jesus could
provide. She did not need much, merely a crumb.
This
woman shows insight into the teachings of Jesus that his closest
followers lacked. Her response is both humble and bold at the same
time.
Jesus
was impressed with her undivided heart, her persistent faith, and her
willingness to settle for crumbs. He says, “For such a reply, you
may go; the demon has left your daughter.” (Mark
7:29)
Through
this gesture, Jesus tells us that everybody is welcome to God's
party. He is reminding us that God called Abraham to be a blessing
for all nations. No matter who you are or where you come from, you
are welcome to the party.
No comments:
Post a Comment