Feeding the Dogs

A Facebook comment brought to mind the incident of the Syrophoenician woman who came to Christ begging for healing for her daughter. Christ told her that the children, meaning Israel, must be fed before anything is given to the dogs.

Jews called all Gentiles "dogs" - we were all unclean, and far away from God. We were disfavored sinners.

But the woman did not take offence at Christ's comparison. She readily admitted that the appellation fairly described her.

Indeed, no sinner is entitled to Christ's mercy. Like those dogs, we are separated from the family of God. Anything He gives us is therefore by His grace toward us.

Though the woman admitted her lack of entitlement, yet she persisted in pleading for mercy. She did not know of the promises of salvation for Gentiles, but she knew Who Jesus is, and she cried out to Him for mercy.

She pointed out that the dogs under the table get to eat the scraps that are cast off by the children around the table. She asked to be treated like such a pet dog, allowed to receive a choice morsel discarded by the children who were being fed first.

Neither she nor the disciples understood the significance of this statement. They didn't recognize that the children, the Jewish people, were rejecting the bread provided by the Savior! The children refused to eat what the Master set before them!

They rejected the very bread of life that Jesus offered to them. This was a tragic refusal on their part, for they rejected eternal life through Christ.

But it was very good news for us dogs! We rejoice that, the bread being rejected by the children, it is provided freely to us poor lost Gentiles who cry out to the Lord for mercy!