Faith: Asking for crumbs

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
– Matthew 15:24-28

It’s interesting to note that the term “dogs” here is not meant as an insult, it is rather endearing as it is describing a “little dog,” a domestic additive to the household. This choice in Jesus’ words within this situation pulls away from what is understood on the surface, which could easily be interpreted as annoyance or indifference, but is in fact a moment where Jesus tests the faith of this woman.

While Jesus’ main mission to the nation of Israel stands firm, there are quite a few instances where we find his ministry and healing work in the lives of Gentiles. Looking at the map of where he was in this incident (the district of Tyre and Sidon) it is coincidentally found outside of Jewish jurisdiction. He does this in the case of Samaria as well (where he ministers to the “woman at the well”) stating that he ‘must go through Samaria.’ If Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, set on the purpose of “feeding the sheep of Israel”…why is he found a good thirty miles from the Jewish populace?

ESV notes:
Although God’s plan was to bring salvation first to his chosen Israel and then to Gentiles, he responds to all who call on him in true faith. This Gentile woman’s attitude of humble faith allowed Jesus’ healing ministry to operate.

If I have truly heard the voice of God on certain matters, including marriage, why then do I loose hope? Situations seem to make the world in polar opposite of what I have heard. So what do I do? Do I trust that it was God who has spoken such things? Do I ignore it, waiting to see what happens? This may very well be a testing of my faith. Like this Gentile woman, I will continue to ask for that which my heart desires. I will persistently ask for crumbs.

Lord, strengthen my faith, the hope I have found in you. Help me to hold on to your promises, even when they seem so far. Wrap me in your arms.
Amen

A purpose not of this world

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might be not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
– John 18:36-38

Here you see two men. A man who’s purpose is to reveal truth, but to not even know it when it stares right at him. This man is puzzled, perplexed, misguided to the notion that this truth standing before him is mere philosophies. We also see a man who is truth, knows his purpose, within his element and very nature a mystery…a king yet not in full glory, but also full of glory. The unearthly meets the earthbound, their purposes unfold and the question asked: “what is truth?”

I think sometimes I have struggled with this sense of purpose, but rarely has it been that I do not know my purpose. Rather, my struggles lie with those who oppose “purpose” or “reason”, trusting their own morals of randomity. There is no path for them for they do not know it, they have not seen it. “The plans to prosper you and not to harm you” are mere philosophy to them. Even those considered “strong believers” subscribe to this line of beleif. I must hold on to what God has spoken, the path that he has laid out for me and walk this road of righteousness. There is a plan, (and it is good) and I have seen the next foothold…so I must go.

Lord keep my faith alive inside of me. I know these new waters frighten me so much, but I know you have the helm…I trust you to direct my footsteps. I know your goodness is everlasting, that you are good, and you have good plans set before me. I trust in you because you are who you say you are…you are truth. Amen