MWR : Articles : Jan. 25

Last updated February 12.

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Articles : Jan. 25

Crumbs for dogs

Does this story from Matthew seem a bit shocking? If we view Jesus as compassionate, loving and accepting of all people, his behavior in this encounter with the Canaanite woman seems out of character.

Let’s examine the setting. Jesus has gone to the region of Tyre and Sidon, the land of the Phoenicians who are enemies of the Jews. The woman from that region who approaches Jesus addresses him as “Son of David” — already recognizing him as Messiah — and immediately pleads for the healing of her demon-possessed daughter. Her faith is obvious. We are used to stories of Jesus healing those who express great faith, but here he engages this woman in some verbal sparring, seemingly rebuffing her.