| Leviticus 16:29-18:30; Mark 7:24-8:10; Psalm 41:1-13; Proverbs 10:15-16
“…a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit came and fell at his feet. Now the woman was Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Allow the children to be satisfied first, because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ But she replied to Him, ‘Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then He told her,’Because of this reply, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter. When she went back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed and the demon was gone.” (Mark 7:25-29)
Jesus was actually sent to the Jewish people first to share truth and to open the eyes of their understanding. This woman that approached Him was a pagan, an unbeliever…and desperate. She heard about this Jewish man who could free the oppressed and heal the sick. Just maybe He would touch her daughter. What did she have to lose?
Jesus may have seemed harsh but He was actually drawing out her faith. She was so humble in her response that Jesus’ heart was moved to answer her prayer. So we see that God is touched by our need, our desperation, and our humility. If Jesus was that affected by someone who didn’t even know Him, how much more is He willing to do for His children?
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You for Your graciousness. I appreciate all You do for me. Thank You for expanding Your kingdom to include those outside of the Jewish ethnicity. Thank You for challenging my faith. I give You all the glory. It’s in Your name that I pray. Amen. |
