7.18.23 - Matthew 15: 26-28
Where might you be more bold? Where might you question old and deep-seeded beliefs about God, to be more inclusive?
Matthew 15: 26-28
He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”
She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table.”
Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”
And her daughter was healed from that moment.
This passage is very uncomfortable. Why is Jesus saying racist things here? People might argue about cultural context, Jesus making a point, etc. etc. etc.
And yet, I also would hope that Jesus would do better than to call people “dogs” as a teachable moment! This woman has to fight for her own dignity with Jesus? I do not like it.
But on the other side of this interaction is a woman who argues and fights with Jesus, veritably calling him out, and he responds positively to her faith in doing so. Jesus can take being called out.
I often feel powerless in situations of injustice.
My mind says, “Why would they hear me? I don’t have any clout or power, and I’ll probably say or do the wrong thing anyway!”
This woman reminds me to be bold. She confronted Jesus, not like the religious leaders who told him to be more exclusive, but for her child. She asks God to be more inclusive.
Where might you be more bold? Where might you question old and deep-seeded beliefs about God, to be more inclusive?
--Theo Isoz