DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Parable or Riddle
by Judy Webb
"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." (Mark 7:24)
Jesus may have been seeking a place to rest from all the attention. The crowds were tiring, and he had so much yet to accomplish. He and his disciples traveled northwest, into Gentile country. It seems he didn’t go there for public ministry, but for a time of quiet and rest. Having just taught his followers about clean and unclean foods he opened the door to more discussion on difficult topics to grasp.
It is strange that Jesus entered the land of the Gentiles, as the lost sheep of Israel were his focus. It is during this journey, Jesus put to rest, the distinction between Jew and Gentile.
“…a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet.” (Mark 7:25)
Many of us have found this passage to be confusing and difficult to understand. I have written devotions about it two times before, and yet, as I prepared to compose this one, I felt inadequate and uninformed. I prayed, “Lord, give me Holy Spirit Wisdom to understand and then communicate the significance of it.”
“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.” (verse 27) It was now that the woman’s faith took over, and she responded, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
Was this teaching a parable or a riddle? This is a situation where you had to be there. By that I mean, it is necessary to understand the culture, language, and dynamics of the day. By doing a little research we learn that "children" means Jews, and dogs refers to Gentiles.
This woman had such strong faith in Jesus and his ability to make her daughter well. It was her humble faith as a gentile which Jesus recognized and blessed. From now on, the gospel is not to be limited to Israel, the Good News is for all!
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
What an example this passage is for us. We might have a plan for the day but give us eyes to see the plan you may have. Come, Holy Spirit and impart your wisdom into each of our hearts so we may see truth and follow it.
