January 26, 2021
Good afternoon,
” Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
There are many questions about the Scripture. The above verse is part of a story about Jesus and a woman. Jesus does not travel far in his life, but this story is in a place where Jesus traveled the farthest from his home. Tyre and Sidon are northeast of Galilee, and is a few days distance from the places where Jesus usually lived. So, Jesus is in a different cultural place.
A woman asked Jesus a question. She is Canaanite, a Gentile person. She wonders if Jesus could heal her daughter who has a demon. The disciples want her to go away. Jesus says to her, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and give it to the dogs.’ Yes, Jesus says this to her. It was common to see the gentiles as ‘ dogs ‘ of that world. Our Lord and Saviour calls someone an awful derogatory term. Really Jesus !!! The woman is desperate, and very clever.
She says, ” Yes, Lord , yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. ” Zing, Zing !! Jesus is so amazed that he heals her daughter. He says her comment is a statement of faith. I wonder how many other people were around the circle where this happened. What did the disciples have to say about this miracle ? Jesus doesn’t seem to care who you are, Jewish, Gentile, Canaanite, Greek, female, male, crippled or well. We are loved by Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. He even allows people to be snarky with him.
The Trinity Bible Chapel ( in my ward in Woolwich Township ) has been in the news. They are meeting together in church, when they should not be. Public health, the police, the province, and even me have told them that they should not be meeting in person right now. What would Jesus say to them ? They think they are doing the right and faithful thing. Jesus usually responds to humility, like the Canaanite woman and not to arrogance, like the disciples . What would humility look like in this situation ?
Prayer
Install in us humility
Inspire us to humble heights
Instruct us into ways of humble thinking, listening and acting.
Please Lord, we need it badly. AMEN.
Fred