Sunday September 6th, 2015 15th Sunday after Pentecost Mark 7:24-37
"For saying that, you may go-the demon has left your daughter." (verse 29)
Jesus knows our hearts, plain and simple. He knows our thoughts before we speak.
This story begins with a woman; she humbles herself and speaks to someone she has obviously recognized, either through sight or through her faith. She risks all by talking to a male (a no-no in this culture) and asks Jesus for a miracle for her child. She is bold, yet completely meek and modest, laying herself at his feet. Jesus challenges her with a question about giving bread to children and dogs (a metaphor for the word of the Lord to Jews and Gentiles). The woman responds in quiet and confident faith. She knows that even the crumbs off the table are enough, even the smallest portion of Jesus’ mercy will provide the miracle she asks. For this, Jesus says, the demon will be cast from her daughter. Her child suffered terribly and now that child is free.
What is the woman’s reply to which Jesus responds? It is her humility, her honesty and the incredible depth of her faith. She knows that even the smallest blessing is sufficient for her needs.
Lord of healing and strength, help us to seek you with humility and honesty, recognizing the amazing miracle of your presence and strength in our lives. Amen. — KNM
Contributed by For such a reply
Jesus knows our hearts, plain and simple. He knows our thoughts before we speak.
This story begins with a woman; she humbles herself and speaks to someone she has obviously recognized, either through sight or through her faith. She risks all by talking to a male (a no-no in this culture) and asks Jesus for a miracle for her child. She is bold, yet completely meek and modest, laying herself at his feet. Jesus challenges her with a question about giving bread to children and dogs (a metaphor for the word of the Lord to Jews and Gentiles). The woman responds in quiet and confident faith. She knows that even the crumbs off the table are enough, even the smallest portion of Jesus' mercy will provide the miracle she asks. For this, Jesus says, the demon will be cast from her daughter. Her child suffered terribly and now that child is free.
What is the woman's reply to which Jesus responds? It is her humility, her honesty and the incredible depth of her faith. She knows that even the smallest blessing is sufficient for her needs.
