Mark 7:24-30 New International Version
Jesus Honors a Syrophoenician Woman’s Faith 24 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre.[a] 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.
Friday - September 3
Many people find this passage offensive. They are shocked at how Jesus treats this woman! Hopefully by looking at the whole chapter of Mark 7 this week you can see why Mark includes this story at this point. The religious leaders were supposed to be the good, righteous, insiders. Here is a woman who is obviously an outsider. They kept their religious traditions that Jesus exposed as pure acting (hypocrisy, see Tuesday’s devotion). This woman knows she has nothing to offer Jesus or God. She has faith that Jesus is both powerful to do what she asks. She pleads for mercy. She does not pretend to be anything but a dog who begs for food, while the religious leaders act like they are spiritual superheroes. Jesus blesses the woman! He forgives her and all those who seek his mercy and grace.