A Gentile Woman

A Gentile Woman

Q: Finish the quote: “Even dogs are allowed to eat ________________.”

• a. the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table
• b. the food that is discarded after a meal
• c. the food they’ve been given

Jesus came to save the world. He went first to his own people, the Jews. But he also healed the Gentiles. One day a Canaanite woman approached Jesus. In ancient times Canaanites were enemies of the Jews, so some of the Jews watching her approach Jesus may have had bad feelings toward her.

The woman cried out to Jesus, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”

Jesus said to her, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” The Jews often called Gentiles dogs, and Jesus used the term to show how the Jews felt. Jesus himself didn’t feel that way, but he wanted his healing to stand out as opposite of how the Jews felt.

The woman answered Jesus, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

Jesus liked the woman’s faith. He told her, “Your faith is great. Your request is granted.” When the woman arrived home, she found her daughter healed.

Jesus used the Gentile woman’s request to show he would heal anyone with faith. He healed not only their bodies, but also their hearts. Jesus’ salvation was—and is—for everyone.

For You

Some Christians think certain groups of people are not good enough for salvation, but Jesus will accept anyone who truly repents and turns to him in faith. Be careful not to judge people, but try to see them the way Jesus does—as people in need of a Savior.

Answer: a

Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”   Matthew 15:26-27

(The Whole Story: Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30)