Well. Did you struggle a bit with the conversation between Jesus and the Gentile woman? Let’s talk about this for a little bit. First of all, let’s recall how very busy Jesus and His disciples were. Let’s remember how hard it was for them to get away to a quiet place. As we started our reading today, Mark shares Jesus’ desire for quiet in verse 24: “Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret.” The situation was getting a bit extreme. Jesus and His disciples needed a little getaway and they have hardly arrived when this desperate woman arrives and asks for help. I can’t explain why Jesus answered as He did, but as they dialogue back and forth, we see her quick wit come out and we see her passionate persistence. She knows she’s not Jewish and not one of the ones Jesus came to serve at this point in history, but her daughter is demon-possessed and that is what matters to her. She doesn’t particularly care if it’s proper to barge in or not. Jesus is delighted with her spunk and her great answer! And He grants her request. Her daughter is not even present, but just a word from our Lord Jesus and the demon, in another place, left the little girl. A stunning glimpse at God’s power! As we end this chapter, Jesus is back at work, serving and healing and asking people not to tell what He has done to no avail. He served and served and served. With great compassion!
My recorded verse:
Mark 7:36. “Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more He told them not to, the more they spread the news.”
My response: Lord Jesus, the people were consistent in their disobedience about keeping miracles quiet, resulting in very little rest for You and Your followers. Yet, despite all that, Your great Love healed again and again. I marvel at Your compassion and patience and outpouring of healing and love!
2 Comments. Leave new
Vs 37 “They were completely amazed and said again and again, ‘Everything He does is wonderful…’” How quickly a lot of these people will turn on Him and be yelling for His death! They forgot all that He had done to them and for them and listened to others opinions instead. Lord, I pray all my focus would stay on You. I don’t want to listen to the world, who is constantly trying to pull me away from You and convince me You’re not real. I pray I stand firm in the truth of who You are, the God of the Universe who loves me.
Yes. AMEN. I often sing the line from an old hymn: Oh Lord, let me never ever outlive my love for YOU! He has shown Himself to me over and over. May I never forget it. Love and agree with what you wrote, Jenny.