Proper 15

Preparation

Please begin by reading Matthew 15:21-28 in your Bible. If you do not have one at hand, we have provided the text for you at the end of this reflection.

Reflection--Boundaries

Today’s gospel story is difficult for we modern Christians to read.  It shows an initial harshness and lack of compassion we don’t normally associate with Jesus, but there it is.  The harshness seems to us to be doubly inappropriate because Jesus refers to Gentiles (like us!) as dogs while visiting in a Gentile land.  What are we to make of the story?

Jews in that day would “put down” Gentiles as dogs.  We sometimes forget the deep Jewish context of Jesus’ life and ministry.  We are accustomed to hearing harsh words from Jesus directed toward Israel’s religious leaders and somehow think he is like a Gentile on the outside critically looking in.  Far from it.  Jesus was born an Israelite and most of his earthly ministry was to Israelites.  His critiques are closer to those of one who sadly sees some members of the family leading other members astray.  His rejection was of religious leaders of his people so caught up in legalism that they missed the real substance of God’s love and grace and thus became a burden instead of a blessing to the people they led. 

Jesus had a passion to set his people free.  The gates would not be opened wide to all nations until after the crucifixion.  (See Matthew 28:16-20.)  It would be well for us to remember that we Gentiles have only been grafted in and are supported by the root of Israel’s faith.  (Romans 11.)

But into this setting comes a remarkable woman.  There is much we can learn from her as she secures her blessing and, in a sense, also ministers to Jesus in the breaking down of boundaries.

First, she had her priorities straight!  The most important thing in her life at the moment was seeing her daughter well.  She was willing to set aside other things to get that accomplished.

Next, she was willing to “think outside of the box.”  No doubt her own culture had traditional methods for seeking healing, but she was willing to look beyond the boundaries of her past experience to greater possibilities.

She was also clear about her source.  She recognized something that even the disciples often did not fully understand and that the Scribes and the Pharisees, with their legal entanglements, were unable to grasp; that Jesus was far more than a wise itinerate teacher.  He carried within his being the power and nature of God.

She was able to set aside her pride to accomplish her goals, a corollary to having her priorities straight.  She did not withdraw from her quest despite rejection from the disciples and, initially, from Jesus. 

Finally, she was bold and persistent in faith.  She was not afraid to attack boundaries that would keep her from her worthy goal.  In a way, as one commenter observes, she ministers to Jesus.  “She becomes the model voice from beyond the boundaries who stakes her claim on the mercy and generosity of God.  Just as others minister to Jesus by providing food or housing, she ministers by facilitating his movement across ethnic borders, an action that anticipates the wider mission to the word.”*

Jacob wrestled with an angel and would not surrender until he had secured his blessing.  (Genesis 32:22-32)  Jesus taught that we must be persistent in prayer in the parables of the friend at midnight (Luke 11:5-8) and the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8).  Jesus equated the persistence of this Gentile woman with great faith.  Perhaps our visions are sometimes too small and we give up too easily.

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Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon.  Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.”

But he did not answer her at all.  And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” 

He answered,  “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 

But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 

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 instantly.  [NRSV]