Show Don't Tell: Mark 7:24-30

Instead of saying "A Gentile woman's faith impressed Jesus," hear the shocking exchange. Jesus goes to the region of Tyre—Gentile territory—and enters a house, wanting no one to know. But he cannot be hidden. A Greek woman, born in Syrian Phoenicia, falls at his feet and begs him to drive the demon out of her daughter. Jesus says: "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." Harsh. The children are Israel; the dogs are Gentiles. But she doesn't argue or take offense. She accepts and advances: "Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." She agrees with the analogy but points out even dogs get something. Jesus responds: "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." She goes home and finds her child lying on the bed, the demon gone. Her witty faith overcame the barrier. Crumbs were enough.