PRAY ~ Don’t Crumble

Another desperate woman reaches out to the only One who can help.  But He doesn’t.  He seemed to ignore her. She could have walked away – given up.  But she doesn’t.

The story in the gospel of Mark (7:24-29) tells of a woman who came to Jesus that broke down traditional barriers.  She had a few things against her – she was a Gentile, a woman, a peasant, and pretty much an outcast. And a great need, she had a daughter who suffered with an unclean spirit.

But she had this going for her – she heard of the Messiah, of His kindness and wonder and that He could make a difference.  And so, she had a trusting faith.

But then she approached Him and Jesus tells her that He came for the lost sheep of the House of Israel so “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

The tenacious mom replies boldly “Even yet, the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”  She didn’t come back with “who are you calling a dog?”  She humbly knew her place as a non-Jewish woman in a not-new-covenant world. Her prayer was fervent, respectful and relied only on His mercy. And it was bold.

Without going into the theological and cultural jargon, the simple and beautiful truth is that Jesus responded to this woman’s persistent faith, and said “For saying this, you have great faith” and the child was healed.

Have you been desperate – unanswered – delayed?

When desperation drives us to scraps beneath the table, we find power in belief, even in the smallest. Because of His worthiness , not ours. For even Jesus’ crumbs sustain to the end.

He is the abundant Bread.

I love stories of endurance that help us through difficult times. And we can learn a few things from our Syrophoenician sister who would be content with crumbs. First, She wouldn’t turn away until Jesus blessed her, like Jacob of old who wrestled with the angel. (Genesis 32).

And, she had enough faith to boldly trust and enough faith to ask again. And again . . .

So like her, we need to get out from under the obstacles and come to the table.