Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
“First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.Mark 7:24-30 (NIV)
I love this story. It makes me feel so deeply the faith that the woman had, and the love she had for her daughter. I used to think that Jesus was being unkind to the woman, but now I feel that he replied as he did for a couple of reasons.
- He could show to his disciples a woman of great faith.
- God doesn’t have to heal anyone, but it is a wonderful blessing when he does.
- He shows that we must not give up, keep seeking him, and asking. His answers will come.