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Jesus 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.” Matthew 15:26-27
This memorable line about dogs and crumbs comes the story of the foreign woman who begs for mercy from Jesus, crying for him to heal her demon possessed daughter. She’d settle for just a crumb. You’ve got more than enough mercy to spare, Jesus, don’t you?
Canyou imagine arguing with Jesus? This unnamed, Canaanite woman, does just that.She won’t be put off by the disciples, and now that she is in front of Jesus,she is determined. Why? Because she believed he could indeed heal her daughter.
How did she come to this faith? We don’t know. Regardless, Jesus recognizes it, even commends her for it. This was unlike the disciples, who he often reprimanded for having too little faith.
This is a rather shocking passage. Jesus often does that, he breaks through our assumptions, challenges our man-made traditions, and lets his mercy flow into a needy, hungry, sin sick world. In working with this woman, Jesus forces the disciples to reexamine their own hearts and beliefs and see the expansive reach of God’s mercies.
It doesn’t hurt for us to stop and reexamine our hearts, our beliefs and practices – personally, as a community, church, and nation. Why are we doing things, or why not?
Culturally we’ve experienced a lot of change around our beliefs around race, sex, police, immigration, politics and religion – to name just a few. It sure has been crazy! Personally, I don’t agree with or like a lot of the “woke” changes we’ve been seeing in our culture. I also don’t love the level of conflict we have in our nation, communities, churches, or families. But I’m reminded in the Scriptures, that it wasn’t all that different in Jesus’ day. This Canaanite woman represents a lot of the same issues we struggle with today. Jesus’ example of grace and mercy is one we can take to heart and learn from.
I like how Jesus cuts through the conflicts and divisions and shows us what is really important: faith and mercy. Her commends her for her faith. He shows her mercy, grants her wish. Jesus heals her demon possessed daughter. With Jesus, mercy wins the day over harsh judgement, dismissiveness, or neglect. This story is good reminder for us all to check what is coming out of our mouths, what is in our hearts and minds. It is a reminder to have faith, and show God’s mercy with those around us, even if we disagree or are different.
In the name of Jesus;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Join us for worship this Sunday at First Evangelical and Holy Cross Churches. We pray you experience God’s love and grace in worship today. Please join us after worship for a delicious lunch in the Fellowship Hall.
- Our prayers go out to Carol Roberts’husband, Darryl, her family and friends. Carol went home to the Lord this pastWednesday. A Memorial Service in her honor will be held in the Chapel on August24th at 11:00 a.m. with a light lunch following.
- Help kids at Conniston Middle School by gathering items for our “Back to School Supplies Drive” through the end of August – Drop off items include: mesh backpacks, 6 tab dividers, 1 subject spiral notebooks, three hole punch pencil pouches, three hold punch rulers, sharpened #2 pencils, magic rub erasers, black-blue-red pens, college ruled notebook paper, reinforcement labels, glue sticks, highlighters. Please leave them on the table and in the boxes at the back of the church.
- First Evangelical’s Church Council will meetafter worship today, Rm #1.
- Join us for a Special Sunday Cultural Meal on September 6th after worship, featuring an Ecuadorian food prepared by the Luzuriagga family. RSVP on the sign-up sheet at the back of church. Free will offering will be received.
- Special Request: Please do not feed the cats! Our church cats are old and need very special dietary restrictions. Additional unapproved food is causing serious issues for them. They are cared for very well by the Bedwells and Sera, who feed them twice a day; they receive regular veterinarian care.
- The Sunflower Christian Academy, just a few blocks east of us, are enrolling students for this fall’s school year. They served PreK3 to 2nd grade, offer microschool for special abilities, afterschool programs for 5–12-year-olds, and summer camp. More info at:www.scawpb.com
