Mark 7:24-37

Mark 7:26-29   ‘Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." But she answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he said to her, "For saying that, you may go--the demon has left your daughter." ‘

 

 

            We send a great deal of time puffing up our chest and seeking our rights and entitlements.  For example:  In this country we have the right to bear arms.  Let any one suggest regulation of gun ownership, firearm registration and the like and the NRA will begin a lobbying effort like no other.  We behave the same whenever we perceive our rights or entitlements are threatened. Try to deny free speech to someone and find out what happens.

            But, not everyone is entitled to God’s mercy and grace.  In the end result, none of us are entitled to it.  The Syrophoenician woman was a Gentile, a non-Jew and therefore not Christ’s stated concern.  Jesus’ work was intended among God’s chosen – Israel.  So, what right did this Gentile have to believe she merited His attention at all?   None.  In that respect she is like every one of us.  We do not deserve God’s attention or care.

            Paul writes in Galatians that God has chosen to make us heirs and children of the promise through Christ.  And that is what the Syrophoenician woman demonstrates for us.  She and we were not worthy or the initial focus of Christ’s efforts.  But, by recognizing that all of us need Christ she makes an important point.  Once we are exposed to God’s mercy and grace in Christ we cannot help to be changed, healed and transformed.  It may only be an afterthought, but contact with the Lord will change us all.

 

Gracious Lord, we are like the dogs, only worthy of the crumbs which fall from the table.  Help us each day to recognize the bounty we receive and honor you more with each breath we draw. This we ask in the name of Christ our Lord.  Amen.