Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32; Matthew 15:21-28

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

There is nothing worse than being an outsider looking in. When we are kept at arm’s length from the group, there’s bound to be hurt feelings and disappointment. The distance reminds us that we have no special standing, no privileges in the group. We aren’t treated like the others. Rather, we’re left out on purpose. No one invites, no one calls, no one acts like you even exist. It’s painful.

While this may be a common occurrence in our human relationships, but we never suspected this with Jesus. We’ve always looked at Jesus as the one who would be a friend to anyone. He wouldn’t leave anyone out even if it meant he suffered for it. American Christianity has this ideal image of Jesus that shatters when we encounter the real Jesus.

In our Gospel reading this week, Jesus ventures outside Israel to Gentile territory. There he meets a Canaanite women who comes seeking his help. He’s helped hundreds (if not, thousands) of people before, so why not help her? But their interaction begins with… silence! Jesus doesn’t even answer her request (Matthew 15:23). And when Jesus does finally answer, it’s not the kind, loving answer we’ve become accustomed to. As he said, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs,” Matthew 15:26. To Jesus, she was on the outside looking in. 

It’s not like the disciples were pleading on her behalf either. She stood alone on the outside before Jesus and his disciples. And she knew it. She knew her place. And so should we… that’s the key. When we come before God, we don’t come as those who can boss God around. We have no standing to demand anything of God. Rather, we must come seeking his mercy, just as this woman does. As sinners, we have no claim on God. We stand on the outside of God’s holiness and purity.

So, we must confess, just as this woman does, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat crumbs that fall from their masters’ table,” Matthew 15:27. Notice how wonderfully she holds to Jesus’ words! Even being a “dog”, she confesses that a crumb would be enough! God’s love for Israel is so grand that it can (and does!) overflow to us (Gentiles) also! This is what she’s saying. At this, Jesus is amazed and complements her faith. For God doesn’t hold us on the outside anymore. Rather, through Jesus’ death on the cross, he has taken away our sins. He’s removed the barrier that kept us outside his presence. For now, Christ invites us to his table, not as dogs longing for meager crumbs, but as children of God! And let us come as children who are given the very food of eternity!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!