144: Mark 7:24-30 + Matthew 15:21-28
Today, I’m offering a simple reading of not one but TWO passages from scripture. They both tell the same story of Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman. However, there are subtle differences and unique details in each. Basically, I couldn’t choose between the two, so we’re considering both together :)
I’ll read from the New Revised Standard Version and as I read, you’re invited to listen and notice what you notice. Once the readings are through, I’ll offer a few questions for reflection, as you consider the reminders God might have for you in these passages.
As always, I believe wholeheartedly that while these words were inspired and written a couple thousand years ago, God’s Spirit is still inspiring us as its readers today. So, feel free to pause, rewind, or revisit as you see fit. As always, I hope it serves you well.
We’ll begin with a reading from Mark 7:24-30:
24 From there {Jesus} set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, 25 but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29 Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And when she went home, she found the child lying on the bed and the demon gone.
And now, a reading from Matthew 15:21-28:
21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that moment.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Does anything stand out to you in these passages? Maybe a word, image or phrase? A feeling or a question? Take a moment to consider what that might be for you.
What do you notice about your response to this story? Do you resonate with it? Are you bothered by it? Both can be true, or you might notice something else entirely. Take a moment to welcome and sit with your response, whatever it may be.
Now, consider your current life and circumstances. If it’s helpful, maybe even focus in on this very day. What reminder or invitation might God be offering you through these passages?
Finally, as you reflect on that reminder or invitation, what do you need from God?
Today, may we hold these reminders faithfully, as together, we continue to become the people God calls and invites us to be.