Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Reflection
Matthew’s account of this healing differs from Mark’s (7.24-30) in several ways. Matthew rather features disciples, whereas Mark gives the distinct impression that Jesus went to the coast by himself. Mark identified the woman as Canaanite…but the encounter itself is essentially the same in both Gospels.
Jesus has walked some 35 miles beyond the boundaries of his country to be alone, or with his disciples, well away from the people who know them. A quiet life, however, was not to be – a woman hears that the Healer is in town.
Over the years I’ve heard it acknowledged that Jesus was very rude to her – but then impressed and influenced by her persistence; less often, that he learned a big lesson that day. Can we excuse his behaviour simply because he wanted a break? Or are we to learn from him that even when tired we are to respond to heartfelt requests for help?
A second possibility is that Jesus, who ‘increased in wisdom’ (Luke 2.52), finally gets it – that though his calling is primarily to his own people he also has a responsibility to be a blessing to people of all nations. I know some will hesitate here, being uncomfortable with the implication that Jesus was not perfect throughout his life.
So might it be the case that Jesus has a twinkle in the eye when he (in effect) calls this mother a dog – having recognised she’s already grasped that the mission of this son of David is to the whole world? Might it be that Jesus deploys a little banter to which she responds in the way he knows she will?
Prayer
Who are you Lord? Divine? Human? Some incomprehensible mix? Whoever you are, help me to remember your abiding, loving presence.
When I meet a ‘Canaanite’, remind me of the divine light within.
Even when I’m desperate for rest, help me to be kind, gentle and tender. And help me to use well what sense of humour I have for the benefit of everyone I meet. Amen.
Today’s writer
Peter Redding is a member of Mangotsfield and Castle Green URC near Bristol
