Breadcrumbs.

"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

Jesus' primary focus of ministry was directed at the Jews, God's chosen people. Yet, during the course of his earthly ministry he came across people who were of non-Jewish descent requesting the blessings he reserved specifically for God's chosen people. One such instance occurs here, where a woman, a non-Jew, had the gall to persist in seeking healing for her daughter who had become ill as a result of demon possession. Initially Jesus does not address this woman at all. The Scriptures indicate, "Jesus did not answer a word," suggesting that he didn't even give her the time of day, so to speak. But his disciples urged him to address this woman so as to send her off in a rather abrupt manner. For the moment we may believe that Jesus will actually do as his disciples command. "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel," implying that his mission is strictly for the Jews.

At this point one may feel as though Jesus is being harsh, leading us to believe that Christianity really is some sort of exclusive, unwelcoming collection of like-minded, mean-spirited people. But this conclusion could not be further from the truth. The reality is Christians are people, and like the rest of humanity, are desperately in need of a Savior to deliver us from the hole we've dug ourselves into from the beginning of time. Left to our own devices, we are wicked to the core, living a life in total opposition to the one God has for us in Jesus. In other words, all the beautiful images we create or imagine stem from just a glimpse of all God is for us in Jesus. What does this mean? It means we are totally dependent on God for the constant blessings he desires to shower us with. We deserve nothing and yet, God in his grace, pursues us beyond any barrier that may keep us from trusting in him.

The woman in this account pleads with Jesus and although his disciples charge him to turn her away, she still believes he is the one through whom healing will come. "The woman came and knelt before him. 'Lord, help me!' she said." The fact that the Scriptures record her as kneeling before Jesus reveals to us the dire and faithful position she is in. On most occasions, people do not kneel out of comfort or make pleads if a need is not truly necessary. But she is desperate and absolutely in need of a deliverer. Here is where the account turns:

"He replied, 'It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.' 'Yes, Lord,' she said, 'but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered, 'Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.' And her daughter was healed from that very hour."

Get out your seat and get buck! Do we even realize what just happened here? Jesus is now including this woman in the blessing he previously withheld for the Jews, opening up the way for all people. We are now brought into the divine relationship God designed for Israel, his chosen people. Jesus is the way by which this relationship is possible and this woman models how we are to respond to God as a result, by faith. It is by faith in who God is for us in Jesus that we receive blessings, healing, and all requests we could ever make to him who delivers us. Our Savior is one through whom all blessings flow. How much more are we to be thankful for his gifts!

A wise man once said, "if you're intent on pursuing someone for a specific purpose, make sure the juice is worth the squeeze." Perhaps this is an understatement for what has occurred here. This woman, whom we do not even have a name for, effectively elicits action from Jesus as a result of faith. Time and time again, we must remember to remain faithful, even when hope seems scarce.

Matthew 15:21-28

Hearing from God and Responding in Faith.

For the past three weeks Ryan has been diligently preparing for his final exams at Whelton Academy. Ignoring the many opportunities to go out with his friends, he suffers from the agony of loneliness. Though he is able to meet with them between classes, he feels almost entirely disconnected from their lives as he listens to the highlights from the passing weekends. But he must stay focused. Ryan's parents, Mike and Stephanie, are accomplished professionals in their work and seem to place a generous burden on Ryan to do the same. Yet, he longs for something different. As the hours grow deeper into the night, he begins to listen to what he believes is the voice of God speaking to his soul:

"Ryan, I have called you by name and as you study diligently for your exams, know that I, the Lord your God, love you and desire a thriving relationship with you." As he sat alone under the dim light at his desk, Ryan could sense the room becoming tighter with a force compelling him to listen. "I know you are troubled with the demands your parents place on you, but be faithful even to the smallest of details." Not knowing what to make of this, he simply took a moment to process what he believed he was hearing and tried to refocus on his studies, doing all he could to convince himself that he was indeed losing his mind.

Do we really hear from God? Is it possible for us to sense his Spirit around us right here in the real world? And if so, how does that change our relationship with our friends and the call to love others, including family?

For Ryan, he deeply longs to be connected to his parents, but the struggle to move beyond their vision of success for his life continues to pin him down, keeping him from the joy of living a life of real freedom. The quest for freedom requires faith in God and for the first time in a long time, Ryan is beginning to believe.

Introductions are Overrated

Wow! This was much easier than I thought it would be.