Even the Little Dogs

Song: O Thou Fount Of Every Blessing

Scripture: Mark 7:24-30

A Gentile woman was seeking Him. He was seeking some solitude. Falling at His feet she begged Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.

Jesus' answer was intended to put her off: "Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs" (Mark 7:27; NKJV). Jesus speaks of the Jews as God's "children" and of their rights to His blessings. "Dogs" is a term in Rabbinic writings that describes Gentiles because of both their idolatrous and immoral ways. Jesus is not using "dogs" as a racist or derogatory remark, but as a test of the woman's faith.

Staying with His analogy and showing no anger at His remark, the Gentile woman reminded the Lord that "even the little dogs" sit "under the table" and "eat from the children's crumbs" (Mark 7:28; NKJV). Surely, she says, a Gentile might receive a crumb from the great storehouse of God's blessings that the Jews enjoy in abundance.

Today's Lesson: Even a little dog like me has the opportunity to respond to the Lord in faith and receive His gracious blessing!

Jason Cicero