Jesus left Capernaum and went to the vicinity of Tyre, a region where Gentiles lived. The intention may have been to go to a solitary place, but as soon as he went into a house, a woman with a daughter possessed with an impure spirit came for help. Jesus said he could not take children's bread and throw it to the dogs. Instead of taking Jesus' words as an insult, the woman replied that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the children's table. Her reply was an expression of her faith in Jesus.

She called Jesus the 'Lord,' recognizing his sovereignty. She recognized the Jews' privilege as God's chosen people, but she trusted in the Lord, whose love extended to all. Children may be a priority, but the master takes care of the whole household, including a little dog sitting under the table. When the woman needed the grace of Jesus, she did not care whether the grace was a chunk of bread or crumbs falling off the table.

Jesus blessed the woman who gave such a reply and let her go home to her daughter, who was freed from the impure spirit.


Application: Father, you are the sovereign Lord, and you show your grace even though I am an undeserving sinner. I ask for your grace each day. May you show even crumbs of grace so my loved ones can be healed.
One Word: Reply of faith.