In this passage we have Jesus healing a demon possessed child, but the difference here was that they were Gentile, not Jewish. Jesus says something that people today would go 'that's so racist!! how could he say such a thing' He says "First I should feed the children-my own family, the Jews. It isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs." (vs27)
We need to realize that the message came for God's people, to the Jews first, before the Gentiles. These were God's people, that needed to hear the good news first. That was Jesus' prerogative. We can say that it's wrong, but that won't change the fact that this is the truth.
During the Christmas season we see tons of manger scenes. How many times do we have Mary and Joseph portrayed as a Jewish family? In our culture, truth becomes blurred because of it ... because of what our culture wants. That upsets me more.
But look at what the Gentile woman replies to Jesus in vs. 28 and Jesus response following. "She replied, "That's true Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children's plates." "Good answer!" he said, "Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter."
Never underestimate what a mother won't do for their child, and this woman had great wisdom in her response. I loved Jesus response to that. Jesus honored her for her wisdom, and again, you can see his compassion in action.
Our compassion to other people, also needs to extend beyond our comfort zone doesn't it?
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