Mark 7:24-30
Jesus Helps a Woman from Syria
24 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
This short story about Jesus, and yet it shows us lessons of rejection, persistence, vulnerability, and love...
Jesus went to the vicinity of Tyre...He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it...Yet, with His popularity He could not keep His presence a secret...In fact, as soon as she heard about Him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at His feet...The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia....She was a Gentile...She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter...“First let the children eat all they want,” He told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”...So here at first, He rejects her request...“LORD,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”...Then He told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”...She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone...
Jesus felt the love this woman had for her daughter...She showed her persistent faith in Him...He rejected her, telling her that He basically came for the children of Israel...Prayers are not always answered on the first time of prayer...But she would not give up in having Him heal her daughter...She knew that He could heal her...When she replied, “LORD, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”, He healed her daughter...Her original rejection, persistence, and faith turned to His compassionate grace...He miraculously healed her daughter at that particular time...