Matthew 15:25-28
‘But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” Yet He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord; but please help, for even the dogs feed on the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at once.’
I have a difficult time with this passage. We know that God loves all. He sent His Son to die for all. So, this lady would have been included as would her daughter in God’s outreach.
However, Jesus tells who He is to minister to, the Jews. Verse 24 of this same chapter says, ‘But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”’ He was to work in the confines of Israel to the Jews. However, we do see Him reaching out to those who aren’t jewish from time to time. The Samaritan woman was one. He appeared to draw the line with this lady and not help her. He seems very direct. After the resurrection, this lady would have been included as the church included the gentiles.
If Jesus said this comment to me I would have been offended and moved on. God knows us and knows how to deal with each of us. I would say that God gave Jesus insight about this lady and He spoke to her based on that insight. It allowed her to make her great argument, “that even the dogs get the crumbs that were meant for the children”. Her comment which was off the cuff for her has been included in the bible. What an honor.
God has made me sensitive. It’s helpful in that it helps me see the pain that others feel. The downside to this is that I can be easily wounded. I get hurt, thus become angry with the offender. I am getting better with this. Usually others had no ill will. A comment may have come out wrong. I have come to categorize this as “allowing love to cover a multitude of sins”. Or to be gracious.
The bottom line is that God loves us all and deals with us individually according to our unique personalities. I would have liked to believe Jesus wouldn’t have said this comment to me. Knowing I would have been offended.
At the same time God is far greater than us and even if I am offended I would still serve Him. Job learned this lesson. He didn’t understand God and was taught a tough lesson. Accept God regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Which means we are to trust Him with the circumstances of our lives. We might not understand them, but trust that He will work them out for the best.
Thank You, God, that You treat us in an understanding way. Yet, there will be times when we do not understand. Give us the faith to accept this and trust You.