Epiphany 2022, Gospel of Matthew, Day 30 of 58

Start Your Year on Sure Footing, Gospel of Matthew, Day 30 of 58

Reading

Matthew 15:21-39

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2015%3A21-39&version=NIV

Scripture

26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Observation

This particular passage is another verse I file into the cabinet labeled “Tough Sayings of Jesus”. He was not insulting this woman as much as Jesus was testing her faith for the benefit of others, even his disciples. In our own minds, we might try to limit who can be saved, and who is special in God’s sight. God will challenge us to expand our concept of who is in the kingdom.

For more on this passage, watch this video:

or read this article:

https://www.gotquestions.org/Canaanite-woman-dog.html

Application

I need to be open to the wide variety of people that God wants to include in the kingdom. I am going to be surprised about who makes it into the kingdom I cannot always judge a person by their outward appearance. As the Lord said to the prophet Samuel, “the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Sam 16:7).

Prayer

Lord, you surprise me about how wide your mercy reaches. Those that I would least expect have been touched by your grace and your power. Help me to understand my role is love without stopping to ask whether someone is worthy of my love or not (like brother Merton said). I trust in your judgment and might Lord. I leave the judgment up to you like you extend your mercy unto me. In your Holy Name I pray. Amen.

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