Scraps for the Dogs

Mark 7: 24-30

Jesus was tired and wanted to rest. He really wanted to put out the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door, but that was not possible. Fame comes with a price; we see it in our society today. Jesus may have wanted to have a break from scrutiny of the Pharisees, who were constantly stalking him. Soon a woman seeks his attention begging for her daughter to be healed of her demons.

Try as he will Jesus was constantly being pursued even by those 'from the other side of the track', those who had heard of him and followed him in hopes of getting heard.  A woman who was a Greek, a Syrophenician by birth took a chance and cried out to Jesus. She somehow believed that he would heal her daughter if she were to just make the request. It did not deter her that she was 'foreigner'; she was a Gentile. Jesus had come primarily to deliver his message to the Jewish people. He crossed the border this night to get away; he thought he would not be recognized.

Every young mother can understand the desire to have some time to herself. Anyone who is well known guards their personal time like a precious gem. We see here the very human side of Jesus. Furthermore when you are tried and hungry you can be a bit nippy with others. Jesus was overwhelmed by the crowds streaming to him for healing.

The initial reaction is almost as if Jesus is prejudiced against this woman. He insults her saying, '...it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs'. What? Can these words be coming from the mouth of Jesus? The Jews it seems often referred to the Gentiles as dogs. Certainly not a very flattering term. Was Jesus just testing her or was he really irritated by her boldness?

For most people that would have been upsetting enough to make them leave thinking they had approached the wrong person. But this woman was convinced that Jesus would listen to her and grant her request for her daughter. It is not that unusual for parents to go out of their way for their children, but she was being rejected. And rejected in a rude manner; being compared with a dog. Dogs then as they still do today are always sniffing around waiting for some scraps to fall from the table.

Understanding the reference to the dogs she musters up her courage and replies, 'Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps.'  Her comments caused Jesus to stop and reconsider her request to heal her daughter; which he grants.



This original photo containing words of life, love, and wisdom emphasis the importance of well spoken words. Jesus responded to this woman's words.

I chose this kaleidoscope image because it represents how words can cross boundaries and bring people to a common understanding.

Where do your prejudices reside?