Even the Dogs: Mark 7:24-30

Jesus had entered Gentile territory—the region of Tyre, far from Jewish crowds and Pharisaic scrutiny. He entered a house and wanted no one to know, but word traveled faster than his desire for rest.

She came uninvited, a Greek woman, Syrophoenician by birth. Her daughter was demon-possessed, and desperation had stripped away all propriety. She fell at his feet and begged him to drive the demon out.

Jesus' response has puzzled readers for centuries: "First let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs."

Children—Israel. Dogs—Gentiles. The metaphor was not subtle.