Jesus Answered
Matthew 15:24-28 Jesus
answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” 25 The woman came and
knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26 He replied, “It is not right to
take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she said,
“but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” 28 Then
Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her
daughter was healed from that very hour.
OUR last meditation stopped when, “Jesus did not answer a word.” (Matt 15:23) to the desperate mother’s
plea. Why was he silent? Then he answered, but his words sound restrictive, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of
Israel.” Jesus seemed to be going against His mission to declare his Gospel
to the world (John 3:16).
But we can be
assured he spoke with gentleness and encouragement. For example, didn’t speak
to her immediately because was listening to her. An angry or impatient man
quickly rebukes and dismisses those he seems as an intruder. Jesus, though,
quietly listened and heard her plea. He first told her of his priority. His own
must be the first to receive. Jesus is demonstrating order and purpose to God’s
holy plan of salvation – first the Jew and then the Gentiles.
But this order has
its exceptions. Many of Jesus’ miracles were to the Gentiles. Within our Lord’s
sovereign power and purpose faith was granted to this woman, and Jesus responded
to her faith. She faithfully pursued him. He lovingly answered her with the
healing power of His creation authority. The daughter is saved.
The Father has so
loved the world. Jesus has come. The Holy Spirit stirs faith in mankind’s
hearts to know Jesus answer.
LIFE Link: Jesus hears. Jesus answers.
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