Jesus Honors a Syrophoenician Woman’s Faith

I love the story of a foreign woman asking Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus responded that He came for the children first and not for the dogs. It might seem shocking—did Jesus call her a dog? The Greek mother had two choices: she could have taken offense and left, continuing to struggle with her daughter's condition, or she could respond with humility and cleverness. She chose the latter, saying that even little puppies eat the crumbs that fall from the children's table. She believed that even a crumb from Jesus would be enough to heal her daughter. That showed incredible faith! Her desperation for a miracle outweighed any concern for her self-esteem. Because of her humble and faithful reply, Jesus commended her, and her daughter was healed.

This story reminds me of today's culture in the United States. We're often restricted from saying certain things because they might offend someone. We sometimes cater to people's sensitivities rather than helping them build resilience.

It's important to understand that the devil uses hurtful words to provoke negativity in us, which can lead to further harm. Instead, we should forgive those who hurt us, be strong, and trust that we have God's favor because we are His beloved children.

Read the story for yourself.

Mark 7:24-30 NIV 24 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. 25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.27 “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 the dogs.”28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Let’s work together to live in forgiveness, hope, love, and faith and let the “words of our mouths and the thoughts we think be pleasing to our Heavenly Father because Jesus  is our Lord and Savior.” Psalm 19:14 KJV  Remember we win!!