The Mother who was both Insulted and Praised by Jesus
05 Aug 2022Little Devotionals (Ann)
“Women of the Bible” series by Ann Little
In Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-29 we have a somewhat puzzling conversation between Jesus, the Jewish teacher, and a nameless foreign Gentile woman from Syro-Phoenicia.
What was this woman’s problem? Her daughter was possessed by an evil spirit that was trying to harm her. She no doubt spent most of her time protecting the child and neutralizing the evil as best as she could. What was a mother to do in such a situation? Her solution was to ask Jesus to heal her little girl.
In Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-29 we have a somewhat puzzling conversation between Jesus, the Jewish teacher, and a nameless foreign Gentile woman from Syro-Phoenicia.
What was this woman’s problem? Her daughter was possessed by an evil spirit that was trying to harm her. She no doubt spent most of her time protecting the child and neutralizing the evil as best as she could. What was a mother to do in such a situation? Her solution was to ask Jesus to heal her little girl.
***** (continued)
She knew enough about Jesus to trust in his compassion, and to believe in his healing powers. However, there were obstacles to overcome: Jesus ignored her, the annoyed disciples urged Jesus to send her away, Jesus states that his mission was to the house of Israel (NOT to Gentiles), and Jesus insulted her calling her “dog.”
After worshipping and begging Jesus several times to come and heal her daughter, the conversation between Jesus and this woman continues: Jesus says, “It isn’t right to take food from the children (Jewish people) and throw it to the dogs (Gentile foreigners).”Jews often insulted Gentiles and referred to them as “dogs.” During his ministry, Jesus freely insulted Jewish teachers of the law, and Pharisees, calling out their hypocrisy, but not individuals.
One commentator suggests that we cannot see the twinkle in Jesus’ eye as he continues to challenge this women, to see where her faith will take her. She was not at all deterred and her faith in Jesus gave her courage to continue. “That’s true, Lord, BUT even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” (Please, all I need is a crumb from you, Jesus!) In the gospel of Matthew Jesus’ answer is “Dear woman (not dog) your faith is great. Your request is granted.” In Mark it says “Good answer. Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.”
Can you imagine her JOY! Not only was she praised by Jesus, because he knew her heart, but her precious daughter was well again.
Take heart my daughters & sisters! There is no one better to place our faith in than Jesus!