Jesus and the Syro-phoenician woman

[Hekuran]

Sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me. In what way exactly are these hard to reconcile?

It's not these passages I had in mind, rather the way Jesus responds to people he encounters. In every other instance where he meets a person in need, Jesus is attentive, generous and compassionate. He always takes great care to gently lift people up and restore them - health, spirit and their place in the community.

All these things seem to be lacking in this one story. Why?

I feel I'm probably getting a bit annoying asking the same question over and over. Apologies.

 

[Curtis]

It's not these passages I had in mind, rather the way Jesus responds to people he encounters. In every other instance where he meets a person in need, Jesus is attentive, generous and compassionate. He always takes great care to gently lift people up and restore them - health, spirit and their place in the community.

All these things seem to be lacking in this one story. Why?

I feel I'm probably getting a bit annoying asking the same question over and over. Apologies.

It is not "annoying" because there are many who will read this thread and learn things without ever participating.

 

[B-A-C]

So it seems.. the real issue here.. is that some are called "dogs".

Also see... Matt 7:6; Matt 15:26-27; Php 3:2; and Rev 22:15; 2 Pet 2:22;

Is it the Gentiles who are dogs? (some believe this)
Or is it impudent unbelievers and reprobates who are the dogs?

Others are even called swine... ( Matt 7:6; 2 Pet 2:22; )

Jesus even called some Pharisees a brood of vipers and sons of hell.

 

[B-A-C]

Still others are called wolves... ( Matt 7:15; Matt 10:16; Luke 10:3; Acts 20:29; )

But I don't think any of this has anything to do with race.

 

[Curtis]

Still others are called wolves... ( Matt 7:15; Matt 10:16; Luke 10:3; Acts 20:29; )

But I don't think any of this has anything to do with race.

Brown lives Matter

 

[Hekuran]

So it seems.. the real issue here.. is that some are called "dogs".

Yes, I think you are right. I have an interesting question about whether in this encounter Jesus changed his mind. But to be honest I'm not likely to lose sleep over it either way.

The thing that really rankles is the race issue.

Jesus calls Pharisees vipers. I don't have a problem with that: their self-righteous hypocrisy earned them that title. I could imagine scenarios where I could call some people vipers due to the way they poison other people's lives.

But to label someone in need a dog because they are Syrian? No thanks

 

[Dovegiven]

HOI?

House of Israel.

 

[rag4aCrown]

Thanks for the replies. The reason I am struggling with these traditional answers is that they raise more questions.

I understand why Jesus tested his disciples at the feeding of the 5,000 - it was part of discipling them - stretching their faith and teaching them. But I can't see why Jesus would throw up such a barrier to this person. She's a woman and gentile, so she's already overcome social norms and shown great faith, or desperation to kneel before Jesus.

Why is it necessary to carry off a racial slur before her daughter is healed?

I don't see why this person needs to be humbled before getting what she needs.

Humility comes before the blessing; least the power of the blessings destroy us and we think more of ourselves than we ought to. Faith without works is dead. She was persistent and Jesus saw her faith was unwavered, even at His response to her, she remained persistent; but even a dog (sinner) eats of the (Master's) crumbs.
How persistent are we in our faith?
Even though it was her own daughter; she loved her more than herself. The woman is humble enough to approach, and BOLD; even in her response back.

This also reminds me of the man in Matt. He had faith that Jesus could heal his servant; even though the man felt himself not worthy that Jesus would enter under his roof. But, speak the Word only, and I know my servant will be healed. As you have believed, so be it unto you.

Love God first; love others more than self; speak in faith, and watch God work. Amen