Won't take no for an answer - Matthew 15-17

Observations - I heard Jeff Lewis speak on Matthew 15:21-27 and it was absolutely fascinating. I love reading passages about Jesus and being able to see his very unique personality come out. The fascinating part about this dialogue of Jesus and the Syrophoenecian woman is that Jesus seems to be using satire. Jesus, the Messiah, sent by God to redeem some from every tribe, tongue, and nation says to the Syrophoenecian woman (non jew) who crying out for his mercy on her demon possessed daughter "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." What??? This is the Christ, what happened to Isaiah 49:6 that says it is too small at thing to restore the lost tribes of Jacob and Israel? The woman proceeds and bows down and asks for mercy. Once again Jesus says "it is not good to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." WHAT??? This should appall us. Children = Israel, Dogs=Gentiles, Bread = Jesus. The Son of God is telling this woman that the he himself, the Bread of Life, shouldn't be given to the dogs (gentiles). The woman persists once more and says "but even the Dog's will feed on the crumbs." The woman perseveres! Jesus then praises her for her great faith and heals her daughter. This is a wild story but the only explanation is that Jesus was being satirical and testing the woman and most likely the disciples.

Application - This woman showed so much perseverance. The Son of God looked at her right in the face and said "The bread of life is not for you." And this woman would not take no for an answer. She loved her daughter so much and believed in Jesus and his power that came from heaven so strongly that she wouldn't take no for an answer. Very bold faith, I envy it. I desire to pray like this woman. I desire to love like her also. Do I have someone in my life who I love so deeply that I am willing to beg Jesus for them without reservation, to where I will not take no for an answer. I have those people in my life, but I do not intercede with the love this woman does.

Prayer - Father, thank you for the wonderful examples of love in the stories of your Son and all His glory. I desire the faith of the Syrophoenecian woman. Father, in the name of Jesus, fill me with the Holy Spirit, with the word of Christ that brings faith, above all else, with love like this woman had for her daughter. Jesus your ways and teachings astound me. They are wise and they come with authority. Please continue to teach me through the Holy Spirit the meanings of the stories and parables that have been written. In Jesus name I pray with freedom and confidence. Amen.