Matthew 15:21-28 In this lesson, Jesus is teaching with the Pharisees (who are testing him) and the disciples (who are watching to see how he will respond). When the woman tries to get his attention his first response (ignoring her) is for the benefit of the Pharisees- this is what they would have him do. His attentions are not for her; she is a woman and not “one of them”. When he speaks to her, he is speaking in a riddle for the benefit of the disciples- to see if they understand how his grace works. She is the dog, the children are more important. He is the food. When she answers back, she demonstrates that SHE understands his love and grace. Everyone there saw and felt her faith and his love toward all people. Jesus’ love, grace and peace are for everyone, no one is excluded, and all who have faith are inside the kingdom of God. We can remember this lesson when we make the choice to keep some people invisible. They are there, we just ignore them, hoping they will go away. We need a change of heart when we are tempted to judge others by believing that we “deserve” God’s saving grace more than someone else. We are sitting at the table, eating and drinking from the goodness of God and living lives of wealth. We forget that the crumbs come from the same loaf and the nourishment is the same. People with great faith will thrive on the leftovers that fall from the master’s table. Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the beauty and the power of your word and work and for the lessons in love and faith you teach us every day. Help me to recognize my own prejudices and teach me to be like you. I pray that I might be able to see clearly, without judgment or stipulation, all those who want for your power in their lives so that I can love them, provide for them and nurture them. Amen. Written by: Michele Le Floch Fernandez
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 13:13:40 +0000
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