SCRIPTURE:
“But she came and worshiped Him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”
Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”
She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”
“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.”
Matthew 15:25-28
OBSERVATION:
Jesus encountered the Gentile woman pleading with Him to come heal her daughter. He first was very matter-of-fact in His initial response to her; He came to save God's own people.
Her persistence triggered His second, more derogatory response. Using the slur of dogs, despised in the culture, differentiating between God's "chosen" and the less esteemed Gentiles...consistent and even expected in those times.
Her reply is astounding.
When Jesus used food as reference to God's favor, the woman said (paraphrase), "I will be satisfied with what You consider refuse, trash, scraps, because I know You can heal and make us well."
Jesus then addressed her, "Dear woman"...He never meant to intentionally insult her.
He watched for the heart that could trust Him even for the least of “scraps", and be content in that.
APPLICATION:
This woman's faith overrode all of what less faithful followers of Christ—then AND now—may have been; discouraged, insulted, even offended.
And maybe even abandoning the faith; forfeiting a demonstration of how Jesus tests our hearts and our faith.
How are we in our faith when God tests us?
Am I easily dismayed by feedback, complaining, and apathy? Can I be content with "fallen crumbs", or does Jesus have to deliver the "Prime Rib" or my faith is weak? Or worse, do I compromise and become deceptive and devious myself...that's how false teachers are created.
The faith I have in Christ must say loudly, "I AM THANKFUL ALL THE TIME BECAUSE I KNOW GOD'S GOT ME, NO MATTER!"
In plenty or in want, my faith stands secure. I can do all things through Christ, who gives me the strength I need.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, this woman placed great trust in You despite the “insult”, the test of her devotion to You.
May I inherit even a fragment of her faith. Help me to focus on You and I know You never fail. HE>i. Amen!
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