Focus
Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.
Read
Matthew 15:21-28 (NRSV)
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Reflect
I find the exchange in the above scripture to be unexpected. Jesus, whom we believe to be divine, said some things that sound less than compassionate. Yet, how dare someone talk back to Jesus like that?
Perhaps this account provides a glimpse into the humanity of Jesus. He may have been tired from travelling, teaching, and healing and in need of rest. I don’t know about you, but when I am tired, I don’t do my best work. Rest and recovery is critically important as we answer our calls or serve as caregivers.
Maybe Jesus’ change of heart was a simultaneous recognition of his tiredness as well as this mother’s determination. Being a woman at that time, she certainly did not have many rights, and as an outsider it would have been culturally inappropriate for her to interact this way with a Jewish man. In trying to find healing for her daughter, she had undoubtedly tried other remedies that ultimately proved unsuccessful. She likely had reached the depths of her resources and run out of options. Then she heard of this healer who was going through the land and changing lives, and she saw Jesus as perhaps her last hope. When rebuffed, she would not take no for an answer and stood up for herself and advocated for her daughter. Seeing her deep faith manifested in her advocacy for her daughter and her witty response, Jesus was moved. Her prayers were answered, and we received a surprising story about being present for what matters in life. Where are you being called to be an advocate? Are there problems you have tried to solve on your own? Perhaps it is time to say, “Lord, help me!”
Pray
Lord, help us to show up for what matters most in life. Amen.
Go with God.
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