A Syrophoenician Woman's Faith
A what? Or should I say who? A syrophoenician is simply a person from Phoenicia, also known a Canaanite. She was a gentile, or non-Jew and a pagan, one who worships other gods. The woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter. But He response that bread is for the children not the dogs. Wow, that seems offensive doesn't it? The bread is Jesus' ministry, the children are the Jews, the dogs are the pagans. What is going on here?
Well,
1) Canaanites rejected God, followed their own practices and worshiped their own man-made gods.
2) Jesus' ministry was first to the Jew. The ministry was later widen to include gentiles through the Great Commission given by Jesus prior to His ascension.
3) Jesus is testing her faith. Is she just looking for her daughter to be healed? Or does she really believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Her answer shows her faith & Jesus heals her daughter.
So, what do we learn from this? It's all about faith & relationship. God isn't some spiritual genie. We don't just say a few of the correct words & poof - all our requests are answered. That is how the pagans view their gods. No - being a Christian is about faith & relationship. How are you doing in that area?
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