Dear Faith Family,
And Jesus said to her, 'Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.' But she answered him, 'Yes, Lord; yet even the dog under the dogs under the table eat the childrens' crumbs.' (Mark 7:27-28)
The story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7 and Matthew 15 is admittedly an uncomfortable passage. Even if the story ends positively, the disgusting lack of compassion and disturbing and evident prejudice cloud the entire scene. Ironically, the "cloudiness" is actually the point of the story!
As we discussed on Sunday, Jesus' bias towards this particular woman was actually a display of what clouded the hearts of his disciples. Jesus' actions expose the unarticulated prejudice, pride, fear, and resentment clouding the hearts of his friends and keeping them from living fully by the faith that was theirs. Clouded hearts kept their faith small, just as they do you and I still today.
And still today, Jesus doesn't clear up the cloudiness by condemning what is small but rather commending what is great:
Then Jesus answered her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.' (Matthew 15:28)
What Jesus saw and commended in this woman seared this story into the disciples' minds, clearing their hearts and expanding their faith into the persons of great faith we met in the Book of Acts. In this way, the unnamed woman was more than an example of faith; she was a means of grace for the faithful.
Through one they least expected, the disciples' faith was both exposed as small and strengthened for their life in Christ still to be lived. The same is true for the disciples of "the church" in Barbara Robinson's The Best Christmas Pagent Ever. You may have read this little Christmas book, which has recently been made into a feature-length film.
Our family saw an early release of the film this past weekend. While many funny, human, and entertaining moments make this an enjoyable movie, there is more to it in the same way that there is more to the story of the Syrophonecian woman. I won't spoil it for you, but let's just say that Deedra and I left the theater in tears, with the twins asking, "Why are you crying?" To which we could only respond, "Because Jesus is so awesome!"
Typically, I end these notes with an encouragement to participate in a faith practice or consider the questions our scripture demands. But this week, with the unnamed woman's story seared in our minds, I encourage you to watch this movie. Remember a story, watch a movie, and let Jesus clear up what clouds your heart so your faith might expand. That's my prayer for you anyway!
Love you, faith family! God bless.