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” (Mark 7:27-28; read vv. 24-37).
Introduction
This strange passage creates confusion, even offense, among us. Many can’t square the standoffishness of Jesus here with his otherwise compassionate outreach to all people. Some take this passage as “Exhibit A” of Jesus being a racist. However, the background of Isaiah’s prophetic message, with the deliberately geographical markers Mark notes in Jesus’ movement, all paint and more compelling, and welcoming, message than at first glance.
Having Just quoted from Isaiah 29, correcting the Pharisees’ warped notions of uncleanliness, Jesus seems to be moving towards, as Isaiah 29:17 says, the “fertile field” in Lebanon, to the north of Israel, near Tyre and Sidon, the location of this passage. It’s crucial we take this passage together with what Jesus is doing, and where he is doing it. In the next several passages, Jesus is doing miracles in Gentile territory: releasing the little girl from demonic affliction, restoring hearing and speech to a mute and deaf man, and yet another miraculous feast all in Gentile areas.
Jesus’ response, “Let the children eat first, then the pups can have the leftovers” and the woman’s audacious insistence show that Jesus’ is doing anything but leaving little crumbs for the non-Jews: he is already turning crumbs into a feast— a feast where all are welcomed and satisfied.
Some Background
Tyre was long associated with the Phoenician people- a great seafaring people, who eventually settled Carthage on Africa’s northern coast and expanded their domain all around the Mediterranean. They even rivaled Rome’s great power in the Punic Wars (“Punic” derived from Phoenicia). During the Maccabean Revolt, the people of Tyre and Sidon sought to come against the Jews after having cleansed the temple and driven out the Seleucid forces. Josephus calls them “notoriously our most bitter enemies” (Ap. 1:70).
Given the context, perhaps Jesus’ cold response to this Syro-Phoenician woman makes sense, being descendants of enemies. No, Jesus response, though cryptic, shows that even the most bitterest of unclean enemies can come near in him.
Discussion Questions
What did you hear in this morning’s message that stood out to you? What was interesting, important, or confusing?
Why does this story evoke such confusion or even offense at Jesus?
What can we learn about this woman responding not with hostility, but with humble insistence to Jesus?
How does the areas in which Jesus work in this section affect our interpretation of his mission even to non-Jews?
Reflection
How does Jesus’ making a way for the Gentiles in these stories demonstrate God’s vast love to you? How does God’s bringing you near in Christ change your attitude and enable deep gratitude within you? Take some time to reflect on Jesus’ having show that effectively all people are the same under our shared condition of sin welling up from every heart, and that Jesus alone is the power who can change our hearts and heal us. If Jesus has invited all gathered around him to his feast, how has he deeply satisfied you in your heart and in your life?