Beyond boundaries

Mark 7 : 24 - 30

...even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs....

A desperate mother from another racial community. A Gentile - a marginalized person, as far as the Jews were concerned. In her desperation, she came to Jesus, trusting in his mercy and power to heal. Even his seemingly deterring words (alluding to foreigners as 'dogs') did not stop her from persisting. And in great humility, she literally begged for the 'crumbs', the leftovers people brush to the floor. Even that measure of his mercy and power were sufficient for her!

The Lord's initial deterrent might actually have been spoken with a teasing voice, rather than one of insult. The woman responded with similar wit and of course faith, in his mercy to those who plead for help. So a child is made whole - indeed a demon is cast out.

This passage describes an occasion in which Jesus ministered outside Jewish territory. However, there were many other occasions when he ministered to the 'foreigners', the non Jews (e.g. the Samaritan woman, the officer's servant) and he is merciful to those who exhibit trust in his mercy and power. He acts beyond boundaries, at least beyond the confines of what we usually feel comfortable with. Today, there are many boundaries and borders between people. Every group wants God on their side, exclusively. But Jesus looks for true faith that seeks him, and trusts in what he can do.