I found this to be an interesting scripture. There's a lot happening here. Let's start with the way Jesus responed to this womana plea for help. She is shouting, "Have mercy on me Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." First he ignores her. But the woman persists. Then he says to the deciples, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel". The women was a Canaanite. The Canannite's were definately not of the House of Israel.
The woman heard what he said, but, she did not give up and go away. She came and knealt before him saying, "Lord, help me". Jesus did not offer to help her, nor did he respond with any compassion. He says, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." Now that's really harsh. However, in this time period many considered the Canaantites to be an inferior people. So Jesus's response would not have been surprising. But that is not an excuse. His response was pretty mean way to treat someone asking for help. Maybe he was just emphasizing the point that the people of Israel were his priority. As our pastor pointed out in her sermon, his response is not even close to what we would expect from Jesus. I can feel a little empathy for Jesus. He had just healed a bunch of people and defended his deciples and his traditions from the outraged Pharisees and scribes who had come to question and discredit him. The man must have been exhausted. We all have experienced a time when somebody ask us to do something, we are tired and cranky so the words that escape our mouths are harsh. But this is Jesus! We put him on a pedestal. He is the Son of God! We expect a lot more from him. Now wait a minute.....Let's ease up on the judgment.... Remember....Jesus was also human. Jesus was also being true to his mission. He stated the facts. His purpose was to save the people of the House of Israel. If he were to help an outsider, that would take his time and attention away from the many people he was sent to help. So....with that mission in mind he did not feel obligated to help this woman. After receiving such a cold repsonse many would just walk away disappointed; maybe even disgruntled. Not this Canaantie woman! She was determined to get help for her daughter. She had faith that Jesus was the answer! She was persistent! She didn't let Jesus off the hook. She says "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." She humbled herself. Her response, her persistance and her faith, caused Jesus to rethink his position ; Maybe even re-think his mission. He realized this woman was determined to find help for her daugher. She believed Jesus was the only one that could help her. She had faith in him, the Son of God. So he answered her! Jesus says to the Canaanite woman, "Women, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish". And her daughter was healed instantly, I love listening to sermons that add some history and real life context to the scriptures. As I listen I begin to see how the lesson from the scriptures can be applied to my life; To everyone's lives. This lesson made me think about the times I was harsh with someone because I was tired or busy. It made me want to do better. Words do hurt people and in more ways then we know at the time we say them. It made me think about all of the judgement in this world. The women was an outsider; considered inferior. Nobody is inferior. Everyone deserves to be seen. The most inspiring part of this story is the woman's faith and determination. She had her own mission. That mission was to get help for her daughter. She gave it everything she had and her persistance paid off. I admire this Canaanite woman with faith. I want to be more like her ..... commited, determined, persistent and having faith. Holding the belief that anything is possible. If you would like to hear the sermon Rev Lauren Cain gave on this scripture you can view it on Grace Lutheran Church of Pottstown's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/GLCPottstown
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorKathy Kissinger is very focused on helping others get back to a more aligned life as their true self. Coaching through life's transitions is her specialty. Archives
August 2023
Categories
All
|