Dogs

 She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
Matthew 15:27 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.15.27.ESV

I love the importunity of the Canaanite woman. Her daughter was suffering from demonic oppression. Nowadays she would probably be characterised in the West as severely mentally ill.

Jesus on the face of it seems dismissive of the poor woman, seemingly sanctimoniously stating that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. Muslims love that verse, because they claim Jesus isn't for Gentiles, unlike, they claim, Muhammed. The thing is, Jesus sent His followers out into the world to make Him known, not with armies, but with love.

Jesus went on to say that it's not right to take the children's (Jews) bread and give it to the dogs (Gentiles). Seems downright xenophobic. See however the woman's response and His ensuing retort, and you get to appreciate the context and tone of what is said.

Jesus is playing the devout Jewish Rabbi, but the foreign woman doesn't take no for an answer. Jesus gladly delivered her daughter and commended her for her great faith. Actions speak louder than words, and Jesus by His deliverance demonstrated His love for all, not just His own.

'Dear Lord, please give us the persistence to see Your deliverance in our lives and the lives of those we love. For Your honour and praise we pray, amen'

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