Mark 7

Jesus left the Jews around the Sea of Galilee who fussed with His teachings and that He would not feed them a second day and the Jewish seminary teachers who complained that He would not comply with their standards.

Jesus would not tickle the ears of the crowds nor meet their expectations and He would not comply with the rules and regs of man’s religion.  Boy, aren’t those issues today!

Jesus moved some 30 miles northwest to an area where He was not expected or even wanted – it was a strong Gentile area and a long way from Jerusalem.  He was apparently wanting to focus on the twelve to prepare them for what was coming and for their coming ministry to plant the Gentile church.  So, He planned a retreat and rented a large home by the sea.

Someone had previously had an encounter with Jesus or been exposed to His ministry and knew that demons were at His command (see Mark 1:24, 27, 39).  Someone knew what Jesus had done for others and was talking!  Then someone told the woman about Jesus – maybe the same one who had had a personal encounter with Jesus.  So, people who have encounters with Jesus need to be talking – you and me!

A Gentile woman of Canaanite roots (three strikes against her) came to Jesus – a bold move driven by a great need.  Jesus was there to spend private time with the 12 and was not public.  He was not out-and-about, but sequestered, but that did not stop this woman.  And how did she approach Jesus?  At His feet – humbly.  Also, she was passionate – desperate – “the fervent prayers of the righteous avail much,” James 5:16.  Three great points for pondering.

Jesus’ response to her was that His mission was to the lost sheep of Israel and not to Gentiles – to the “dogs” as the Jews called those not Jewish.  Yet, He was tender toward her calling her a house dog – not a mongrel or mangy dog.  Jesus knew His priorities – duties – and labored to stay focused.  He could have had a full-time ministry healing and gaining much fame, but that was not His mission, thus His response to her.  And what are our priorities?  What should be our #1 priority?  What is your top priority?  Do you know?  Is it #1 every hour of every day?

And her response – Powerful!!!  A great lesson for us!  She said “Yes” to what Jesus had just declared.  She did not argue with His teaching or priorities.  How often we fuss with His teachings and His will.  We want to pressure God into our thinking – WRONG!  She did not and she experienced life-transforming power.

Next note that she called Him “Lord” – only two times was He called “Lord” in the gospel of Mark and she is one (9:24).  She acknowledged Jesus as her master and even God.

Then thirdly she basically said, “Thanks.”  She realized God’s use of the Jews and blessings on the Jews and that she was blessed by God’s blessing them.  She was thankful for God’s grace even if it wasn’t what others received – WOW!  How do we do with this mentality?

Jesus was moved and spoke.  At His word she left and found her daughter just as Jesus had declared.  He said it and that settled it!  So when we read a statement in the Bible, does that settle it with us or do we want to argue with it or twist it to fit our hopes and ideas?

So, if we want God’s powerful touch in our lives or the lives of others, what are some important attitudes and actions found in this story?  This story is rich with lessons!