Even the dogs eat the crumbs (4th Day 52)

He (Jesus) replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." (Matthew 15:25-27)

I love the way Jesus challenges us. Jesus continually challenged those around Him to "think" and test their convictions. He challenged people to question, to seek, to understand. His parables made people really work through what He was telling them. He was often beseeched to "speak clearly", but He continued to challenge those around Him. He did not always give answers that would be easily understood, but gave answers that caused people to change their view of things, to change their view of Him, to change their lives. Isn't it interesting that those who were closest to Him often had the hardest time?

His closest followers expected Him to provide everything for them, to be the automatic answer to all their questions and problems. But just like a teacher knows that giving the answers to a test does no good for the students, Jesus forces us to think about the questions before us and understand what answers are really given. In working through the answers we should always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
(1 Peter 3:15)

Jesus knew what the Canaanite woman wanted, what she needed, and what she would say. So why didn't He just heal her daughter without challenging her faith? Because He wanted the exchange to be an event that would be told for thousands of years. One in which we can reflect on and realize that the Lord not only saves us, but strengthens us and prepares us to carry out the mission given us.

Jesus did more than challenge the woman's request, He challenged her dignity by comparing her with dogs. But the woman was bold and responded with clear conviction of faith. The Bible shows us that many of God's chosen servants confronted God in His requests of them: Moses (I am not eloquent), Abraham (spare the city for only 10 good people), Gideon (I am the smallest of my tribe), the Canaanite woman (but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table).

God wants us to be thinking creatures that seek the truth, because in seeking the truth we find Him. Seek the Lord. Prayerfully study His Word with all your energy and He will reveal Himself to you. Chase after Him. Pursue the Lord with all your heart, mind, strength, and soul.

God be with you always.

De Colores,
Bill
WV88