So, today's Gospel is one of those confusing ones that may make you think that Jesus was being a bit of a jerk. Here are my personal thoughts on the matter.
Because this woman was a Canaanite, the fact that she addressed him as "Lord, Son of David" automatically let Jesus know that her faith was pretty darn big. Canaanite's and Jews were not the best of friends, yet, this woman knew that He was the Messiah. So, she had already professed her faith in a big way and Jesus knew the significance of this. He was trying to send a message to his Apostles because they, unlike her, did not know what was up (yet). They were actually annoyed by her persistence.
I think Jesus' next few comments were all planned to bait the Apostles and to show them how limited their understanding was of Him and for whom He was sent. He knew that the woman's faith was strong enough to engage even though he was saying things that seemed a little rude. For example, "I was ONLY sent for the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Again, knowing that this woman's faith would take the bait, she showed persistence (which is a great lesson for us in our prayer life - be persistent), "Lord, help me."
Now, this next line is the real zinger and you can almost picture him saying it directly to the Apostles "It is not right to take the food of the CHILDREN and throw it to the dogs." Jesus probably said this sentence in such a way to emphasize the ridiculousness of it. In other words, Apostles, you are acting like spoiled children right now and you need to hear exactly how off the mark you are. And the Canaanite woman played along like a pro. "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." Bam!!! And Jesus was like, ding, ding, ding, right answer!!! A perfect set up to a deep theological reality, that Jesus came to save all, ALL, not some. His grace and mercy are for everyone and when we proclaim that He is the Christ, when we are persistent in our faith, and when we remember that His mercy is bigger than our sin, then we will enjoy that peace and joy that comes from knowing that we are made for so much more.
Again, these are just my personal thoughts on the matter. What are yours?
Gospel MT 15: 21-28
At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,
“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!
My daughter is tormented by a demon.”
But he did not say a word in answer to her.
His disciples came and asked him,
“Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”
He said in reply,
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”
He said in reply,
“It is not right to take the food of the children
and throw it to the dogs.”
She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters.”
Then Jesus said to her in reply,
“O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be done for you as you wish.”
And her daughter was healed from that hour.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,
“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!
My daughter is tormented by a demon.”
But he did not say a word in answer to her.
His disciples came and asked him,
“Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”
He said in reply,
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”
He said in reply,
“It is not right to take the food of the children
and throw it to the dogs.”
She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters.”
Then Jesus said to her in reply,
“O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be done for you as you wish.”
And her daughter was healed from that hour.
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