I've often wondered why Jesus gave this woman such a seemingly harsh response. You can almost hear the collective gasps from all who were there. The great and loving, benevolent Son of God first ignores her and then tells her off. What's up, Jesus? Having a bad day or something?
As the writer of my devotional says, "Ah, the exercises that train a vigorous faith."
Jesus knew this woman just like He knew the woman at the well, just like He knows all of us who petition Him for blessings or deliverance. He knew that she could take some heat and that it would benefit her, and eventually us, greatly. Were she weak and unable to stand it, He no doubt would have spared her this test. But this chick had some grit.
According to this same account in Mark, Jesus came to Tyre and Sidon looking for some seclusion. He didn't want anyone to know He was there. But He could not be hidden. She wanted her child to be blessed and He cannot be hidden from a seeking soul.
Well, the disciples, loving and compassionate as they were, were bothered by her. They wanted Jesus to get rid of her. But her prayer was simple yet effective, "Lord, help me!"
Stop. What's up with these disciples? They want rid of people who need Jesus because they feel disturbed and can't hear Him, they bicker and argue over which one is the teacher's pet, they constantly presume to know what Jesus wants, and they even think they know best how worshippers should spend their money (relevant). Hmmm.... we would never do that, would we?
Moving on. Jesus's cold and cutting answers to this woman could not stop her, no sir. So here's what really got me about this story. The Creator of the universe, Son of God, Redeemer of all mankind, and Almighty God tells her to bug off. He's got other things to worry about. Does she sulk away?
Heck no, man. She turns it up a notch. This gal is seeking and will not be denied. I love this. How often do we take no for an answer and tuck our tails between our legs when God wishes us to soldier on? His Word tells of His great love for us, how He desires to give us good things, so why do we sometimes act like He is unconcerned?
I believe with all my heart that if God answered every prayer instantly, He would become nothing more to us than a servant who exists to fulfill our whimsical dreams. We must be trained. He must make us seek Him diligently and sometimes forcefully. Faith would not be strengthened in "magic eight ball" type solutions. It would be weakened to failure.
We must believe that the things His Word promises are true. He says to keep asking until the answer comes. If we would prove our faith to Him, we must believe that our prayers are beyond the help of any other source, and we must persevere.
I think the key to this whole story was that she agreed with Jesus. When He tells her that she is pretty much a dog, she agrees. "Yes, Lord, yet." She knows that she is undeserving of the children's bread, and simply asks for a crumb of the children's bread. She realizes her state and in three words, has His attention.
I think this is just what He was wanting to hear. "Yeah, I know I'm scum but who else am I going to turn to?" She acknowledges her condition and His grace.
When we pray to God, when we beg Him for blessings, how does He respond? If He says, "Why should I? Look at yourself. What have you done with what I've already given you?", do we reply, "Well, I've done this and this and this, I've prayed and read my Bible, I go to church and mostly act like a Christian in public."
Or do we agree with Him. "You're right. I'm lazy, unfaithful, selfish, unloving and after my own gain most of the time. But..."
But because of Jesus's blood You see me as Yours.
But You have promised to be faithful to me even though I mock Your love and grace daily.
But one small crumb of Your blessing is an eternal meal.
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Happy long weekend!
