Mark 7:24-30
Verse 28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
Yesterday we talked about how Jesus healed the servant of a Roman officer and today we continue our look at Jesus’ miracles among those who didn’t hold Jewish lineage.
While the Jewish person was not to associate with those outside the faith, Jesus didn’t totally exclude those who came to Him for help. Like the Samaritan and Roman officer this woman knew of Jesus and His power and wanted His power to be displayed in her life as well. This woman was different than the two men we have talked about because what she was asking was not about restoring to physical health as the others had been. This was an even deeper display of faith because she was asking Him to wage spiritual warfare.
Jesus is in the region near the Mediterranean Sea and that is exactly where this woman needs Him. She is Greek and therefore not who the disciples think He should help (see another telling of the story in Matthew 15:22-28) but Jesus knew His mission was not just for those of the Jewish faith. It would also do us well to think about how upsetting it must have been for Jesus to see His enemy filling His creation with the enemy’s demons.
The woman is persistent in her cries for help and is willing to be embarrassed to get what she had come for. Just as any mother would go far lengths to make sure her children were safe, this mother is begging relief for her daughter. She begs Jesus to drive the demon out. This choice of words shows that she knows He can do it. She was frustrated with His first response and she responds, not with a defense against what He has insinuated about her, but the fact that she was still worthy of a fraction of His help.
It was because of her reply that Jesus said He would heal the girl. And once again, without going into the gentile home, He heals the child from afar. His love for people, even outside of the Jewish faith, should cause us to think about the mercy and compassion we could be sharing with those that are not part of the Church. It is so easy to willingly help those we love but to help those that are different than us is not so easy, but we should follow His example and show His glory to all we come in contact with.
Making It Personal
When have you had opportunity to bless someone that you didn’t know? Did you bless them or walk away? Who can you think of that needs your compassion today?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever had the opportunity to show someone how Jesus would love them? Did you take the opportunity or chicken out so you wouldn’t be embarrassed? Who can you show the love of Jesus to today?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding us that You love all that You have made. Give us eyes to see those who need compassion and give us Your love for them so that we will step up to help them. In Jesus’ name, amen.