MATTHEW 15:25-28 (CEV)
The woman came closer. Then she knelt down and begged, “Please help me, Lord!”
Jesus replied, “It isn't right to take food away from children and feed it to dogs.”
“Lord, this is true,” the woman said, “but even puppies get the crumbs that fall from their owner's table.”
Jesus answered, “Dear woman, you really do have a lot of faith, and you will be given what you want.” At that moment her daughter was healed.
THE ESSENCE
In Jesus' economy the poor and needy are cared for.
DAILY FODDER
In the Matthew passage a Cananite woman with a demon-possesed daughter sought Jesus' help. His disciples tried to talk Jesus into turning her away. At first it appears that he was following their advice but he engages her in a conversation that provided an opportunity for the mother to demonstrate faith. She doesn't disappoint, and neither does Jesus—unless you happened to be a reader who wanted to send all the foreigners away.
How do you think the needy mother responded to Jesus' declaration? How do you think the disciples responded? How about the religious establishment?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive my blinding privilege. Open my ears and eyes to recognize the Canaanite calls that surround me everyday. You have blessed me with bounty. Help me to let go of my fear of letting go. Crumble my pride so that I will nourish the hungry. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.