“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.” Mark 7:28-29
Jesus had been teaching in the area of Tyre. A Greek woman came up to Jesus and fell at His feet begging for Him to drive a demon out of her daughter.
Since she was a Greek and not a Jew, Jesus answered in an interestingly harsh way. He states that the children must be allowed to eat all they want first before giving food to the dogs. Jesus was basically saying that because she was not an Israelite but a Greek, she was a dog and should not be given anything yet.
The woman points out that, however, the dogs get to eat crumbs that the children fall from the table. She did not necessarily want the full bread that Jesus was giving out, she just wanted a little small crumb. All she desired was a little mercy for her daughter, nothing for herself directly.
Jesus sees this statement as one of great faith and hope. He drives out the demon immediately.
This woman knew who she was and where she stood with the Jewish people. She understood that as an outsider, she would not be allowed to share in the blessings of God fully. Yet, she had some hope that Jesus would hear her plea.
She may have been looking at all the miracles Jesus performed. She may have seen the mercy and grace He had been showing many people. Looking at all these things, she may have realized that He would most likely show mercy on her also.
Jesus was her last hope and she clung to it. She did not give up easily. When the answer sounded negative, she pointed to the way God works.
Today, when you are seeking God for something, show Him the words He spoke in the Bible. Appeal to His love and promises. Believe that He can and will meet your need. Trust God as your last and only hope.
I pray today that you will trust in Jesus for all of your needs; that you will know the promises of God; that God will reveal His love and mercy to you; that you will not give up in trusting in Jesus; and that Jesus will be your last and only hope in everything in life.
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