By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Includes
Mark 7:25–37
The Humble (25–30)
After a busy time of performing miracles, teaching, ministering to the ever-growing crowds of people and dealing with constant scrutiny from religious leaders, Jesus traveled to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Jesus’ fame had spread so rapidly secrecy was becoming virtually impossible.
Hearing of Jesus a Gentile woman came to Him and begged for her daughter’s healing. Jesus’ answer offered a glimmer of hope. His words, “first let the children eat,” imply after the Jews have “eaten” the Gentiles will have an opportunity. Jesus doesn’t stop at this statement but continues with a common Jewish denigration of Gentiles and calls her a dog. Let the shock of this slur sink in for a minute. Even if this slur is a test for this Syrophoenician woman it is not what we would expect our Lord to say.
Understanding the cultural context in which Jesus spoke these words is helpful. Jews viewed dogs as unclean while Gentiles often saw dogs as beloved family pets. Perhaps with this picture in mind the mother doesn’t respond in anger but exclaims that pet dogs are allowed to eat crumbs that fall from the table of messy children.
In other words, in humility she will gladly be a dog if her daughter can receive one crumb from Jesus. By faith she realizes that even a morsel from Christ can heal. Jesus grants her desire and heals her daughter.
Not only should we follow Jesus’ example and show compassion to all people regardless of race, but we also must ask God for greater humility and faith like this woman.
The Outsider (31–35)
Jesus continued His travel through the predominantly Gentile area of the Decapolis. Everywhere Jesus traveled people brought their sick.
People with physical disabilities were considered unclean and often treated as sinners and outcasts. One such outcast, a deaf man who could hardly talk, was brought to Jesus.
Jesus’ healings follow no formula. He healed the Syrophoenician’s daughter with a declaration, but here Jesus pulled the man aside privately and healed him. He touched the ears, spit, touched the tongue and exclaimed, “be opened.”
Jesus is the Messiah who is Lord and heals as He chooses. However, Jesus is consistent in reaching out to sinners, misfits and outsiders.
What about you? Our world is filled with outcasts who are seeking compassion and love. Above all things multitudes of people are “outsiders” because they are spiritually deaf and blind. Time is short. Will you share Jesus with them? Only He can open their blinded eyes and unstop their deafened ears.
The Exuberant (36–37)
Jesus is the sovereign Lord of all, but humans have a responsibility to respond to Him. Before we cast stones at the people’s disobedience we should realize how difficult it would be to keep these sensational healings quiet.
Let’s face it — we often slip with small secrets. Would we remain silent if we witnessed an astonishing healing? In reality we witness miracle after miracle. I once was spiritually blind but now I see! I was lost but now I am found! I was dead in my sins and now I am alive forever!
Have you experienced the change Jesus brings in your life? Have you seen Him touch the lives of other people? How can we remain silent? Why aren’t we spreading the exuberant news of Jesus and the supernatural transformation He offers? Jesus’ acts of compassion are so astonishing that we must not keep them to ourselves.
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