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Mark 7:24-30
24 And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” 29 And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: As we continue our series on the Miracles of Jesus, we will see that the miracle in this week's passage serves ironically as a mere backdrop for Jesus' fascinating interaction with a pleading mother. After debating purity and cleanliness with the Pharisees at the beginning of chapter 7, Jesus goes to a Gentile land and ministers to a woman who would have been considered unclean by the Jewish people. This contrast between the hard-hearted Pharisees and the humble Syro-Phoenician woman is meant to draw our attention. As the woman petitions Jesus for help with her demon-possessed daughter, Jesus challenges her faith by reminding her of the priority of Israel at this point in salvation history, likening her to a "dog". Instead of being offended, this woman becomes a picture of genuine faith. She responds with humility and dependence calling on Jesus to act though her status is humble, and Jesus grants her request. Her example is meant to exhort us in our faith and dependence on the Lord, that we might trust in His goodness toward us even when He seems unconcerned by the problems of our lives.
Review & Apply
What are some reasons Jesus might have gone to Gentile territory at this point in His ministry?
What does Jesus mean in the parallel passage in Matthew 15 when He says he came "only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mt. 15:24)?
Why does Jesus call this woman a dog? What is Jesus trying to convey here?
Do you see yourselves as too far gone in sin to come to Jesus? How can this story comfort us to draw near to the Lord with confidence?
How do we approach the Lord with our petitions? How can this woman serve as an example to us?
Are you offended by Jesus in this passage? How might Jesus be displaying His goodness and loving-kindness here?
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