Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.
He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.”-Matthew 15:21-28
In recent days, I’ve seen a few modern pastors comment on this passage and arrogantly try to act more righteous than Jesus over his bluntness. However, they are only looking at it with the depth of a teaspoon. So let’s take a closer look at one particular detail you may not be aware of.
As it says, she was a Canaanite. Meaning she was an indigenous pagan. Canaanites worshiped gods like Baal, Asherah, and Dagon. All of which are specifically denounced by the Old Testament. Their worship involved temple prostitutes, to put it mildly. They even practiced human sacrifice, including children. So it’s likely that her own dark practices brought on her daughter’s demon possession. In context, “dog” seems rather generous. Unless you still think she needs to be patronized with kindness, knowing what you do now? Or is it only right to deal with her as bluntly as those people trying to correct Jesus?
His words here are unapologetically honest, as he often was. Like he was with the woman at the well, the rich young ruler, and even his own disciples. They ultimately had to face themselves and the real issues they were avoiding by engaging Jesus and the truth he stood by. As I said in a previous post, it’s not really that kind to water down the realities of self-destructive behavior. In her case, Jesus wanted proof that she knew her responsibility in the situation that she found herself in. More importantly, was she willing to own it? Once satisfied that she understood this. Only then does he grant her request. In doing so, Jesus also showed her that he had authority over the evil things she once worshiped. I dare say that brought on a change of heart better than any superficial kindness ever did.
So why do so many stand by the mediocre practice of tact, rather than truth? Even the most tolerant, ideologically speaking, have their obvious exceptions. Ironically, they can be the most vitriolic of all. In the end, such people have thin skins and very sharp tongues. They only want to be on the receiving side of grace, but only on the giving side of discipline. There is nothing righteous or even mature about such behavior. So they have no business correcting anyone, let alone Jesus. Perhaps they should follow the Canaanite woman's example in owning their dog-like behavior.
What issues have you asked to be delivered from, with no answer? Perhaps it’s your lack of humility. It's your unwillingness to face a harsh truth about yourself.
In recent days, I’ve seen a few modern pastors comment on this passage and arrogantly try to act more righteous than Jesus over his bluntness. However, they are only looking at it with the depth of a teaspoon. So let’s take a closer look at one particular detail you may not be aware of.
As it says, she was a Canaanite. Meaning she was an indigenous pagan. Canaanites worshiped gods like Baal, Asherah, and Dagon. All of which are specifically denounced by the Old Testament. Their worship involved temple prostitutes, to put it mildly. They even practiced human sacrifice, including children. So it’s likely that her own dark practices brought on her daughter’s demon possession. In context, “dog” seems rather generous. Unless you still think she needs to be patronized with kindness, knowing what you do now? Or is it only right to deal with her as bluntly as those people trying to correct Jesus?
His words here are unapologetically honest, as he often was. Like he was with the woman at the well, the rich young ruler, and even his own disciples. They ultimately had to face themselves and the real issues they were avoiding by engaging Jesus and the truth he stood by. As I said in a previous post, it’s not really that kind to water down the realities of self-destructive behavior. In her case, Jesus wanted proof that she knew her responsibility in the situation that she found herself in. More importantly, was she willing to own it? Once satisfied that she understood this. Only then does he grant her request. In doing so, Jesus also showed her that he had authority over the evil things she once worshiped. I dare say that brought on a change of heart better than any superficial kindness ever did.
So why do so many stand by the mediocre practice of tact, rather than truth? Even the most tolerant, ideologically speaking, have their obvious exceptions. Ironically, they can be the most vitriolic of all. In the end, such people have thin skins and very sharp tongues. They only want to be on the receiving side of grace, but only on the giving side of discipline. There is nothing righteous or even mature about such behavior. So they have no business correcting anyone, let alone Jesus. Perhaps they should follow the Canaanite woman's example in owning their dog-like behavior.
What issues have you asked to be delivered from, with no answer? Perhaps it’s your lack of humility. It's your unwillingness to face a harsh truth about yourself.
“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” -Matthew 10:22 (Jesus)
Truth isn’t always pretty. Anyone who says otherwise is not being honest.
