Sunday 8 September 2024
But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” (v. 28)
Background
Mark gives little detail away other than saying Jesus has entered a new area: the reference to Tyre moves him beyond the Jewish territory. Jesus stays in this new area for some time. Mark doesn’t include any information about the disciples being with Jesus. It is not clear why Jesus is there, but could he just have wanted time out? It’s not a surprise that people quickly discover who he is and seek him out, and then… A Greek woman (not a nationality statement as much as a religious statement – it's likely she's a pagan, not a Jew) breaks all Jewish rules and approaches Jesus.
What comes next could be described as a learning moment for Jesus. The woman asks for help and Jesus initially responds with an echo of his commitment and calling as a Jew (first let the children eat), but the word ‘first’ also offers a glimmer of hope to the woman. But then Jesus goes on to seemingly refer to her as a dog; it is a negative, derogatory response but it does not deter the woman. This mother of a needy child takes the response and notes how dogs get the crumbs under the table, suggesting it’s not a case of one or the other but rather both/all. Have you sensed how Jesus need not be derailed from his apparently main mission to the Jews in order to help this mother’s daughter?
Verse 29 then points to an opening up of the Kingdom of God to all peoples, described in the text as the Gentiles. It’s going to take a while to become clear but this opening up of God’s Kingdom to all people has begun.
There are two final things to note: the first is that while so much of Jesus ministry and life was yet to be witnessed, it was becoming evident that hope for the future through the person of Jesus was possible if you had eyes and a heart to see. The second is about crossing boundaries of religion, nationality, tradition, sexuality and so on, which has both historic and contemporary relevance for us.
To Ponder:
- For the sake of someone you love, what would be your responses to derogatory phrases that someone might level at you? What would it take for you to see through and beyond words that hurt you?
- In your life, what boundaries need crossing in order for God’s love to flourish?
Prayer
God of all that was, is, and yet will be, I pray for courage and guidance as I seek to encounter your love in my life and in this world. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Mark Cheetham
Mark is Superintendent Minister of the Salisbury Circuit and Minister at Salisbury Methodist Church.