- Jun 8, 2019
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Hi everyone. I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the right place - if I'm not, mods, please move it.
I'd like to talk about a Bible passage that has always troubled me - Matthew 15:21-28, Jesus and the Canaanite woman. I think I've gained some insight on it, and I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.
The part that always bothered me was Jesus calling this poor woman a dog. It seemed so cruel, when she was only seeking help for her daughter. But now I think He used her faith to give a lesson to His disciples. They urged Him to send her away, and I imagine them nodding in approval when He said what He did. I think that approval must have turned to shock, however, when they heard the rest of the conversation, and Jesus's ultimate acceptance of and blessing of her. Jesus showed them that faith, not race or nationality, was the most important factor in having a relationship with Him.
As for the "dog" comment, I think that Jesus knew that the woman had a strong spirit, and would counter it the way that she did, saying "even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table" (verse 27, NIV). (whereas if He had said that to me, depending on my mood, I would have either burst out crying, or replied "who are you calling a dog?!). Jesus would never be callous and try to hurt someone's feelings - He knows what each individual person can handle, and works through the right people at the right time to get His message across.
I would really appreciate any further insights or suggestions that anyone would like to share. Thank you.
I'd like to talk about a Bible passage that has always troubled me - Matthew 15:21-28, Jesus and the Canaanite woman. I think I've gained some insight on it, and I would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.
The part that always bothered me was Jesus calling this poor woman a dog. It seemed so cruel, when she was only seeking help for her daughter. But now I think He used her faith to give a lesson to His disciples. They urged Him to send her away, and I imagine them nodding in approval when He said what He did. I think that approval must have turned to shock, however, when they heard the rest of the conversation, and Jesus's ultimate acceptance of and blessing of her. Jesus showed them that faith, not race or nationality, was the most important factor in having a relationship with Him.
As for the "dog" comment, I think that Jesus knew that the woman had a strong spirit, and would counter it the way that she did, saying "even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table" (verse 27, NIV). (whereas if He had said that to me, depending on my mood, I would have either burst out crying, or replied "who are you calling a dog?!). Jesus would never be callous and try to hurt someone's feelings - He knows what each individual person can handle, and works through the right people at the right time to get His message across.
I would really appreciate any further insights or suggestions that anyone would like to share. Thank you.