We read today about Jesus’s ministry in Tyre, where he is unexpectedly recognised and asked to cast out the unclean spirit from a woman’s daughter.

When she begs Him to heal her daughter, Jesus responds quite shockingly; ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ This is a startling response, but there is some meaning to unpack. Firstly, it was not uncommon to refer to Gentiles as ‘dogs’, and this response is highlighting that His ministry is primarily for the Jews. Secondly, the Greek word used can be translated to ‘little dogs’ which some commentators suggest that Jesus takes the sting out of the word. Yet, even with some context, why is Christ responding in this way? There is a twofold purpose, acknowledging that as a Jew this is an offensive interchange, and also as a means of testing her faith.

Yet she responds in humility, that even little dogs still get to eat table scraps. Jesus sees her faith and grants miraculous healing to her daughter. There is an acknowledgement in this exchange that the mercy of God is on offer for all of us, Jew and Gentile alike. Today, we might learn from the Syrophoenician woman’s faith to seek Jesus with a bold humility that reaches out for whatever prayer is on our hearts.

+ Jesus, help me to approach You boldly but with humility today, seeking to hear Your Word and follow Your call. Amen.

by Nick Kelly