1. First let the children eat (24-27)

Jesus was avoiding confrontation with the Pharisees and avoiding the crowds because he did not have much time to train his disciples. He retreated to Tyre, which is in Gentile territory. But he was famous and could not keep his presence secret. A Gentile woman came to him with a desperate problem--her little daughter was demon-possessed. She begged Jesus' help. Jesus tested her faith. He had come as the Shepherd of Israel, and she was a Gentile 'dog.' She had no claim on God's grace. His first responsibility was to seek the lost sheep of Israel.

2. Even the dogs eat the children's crumbs (28-30)

She humbly accepted Jesus' hard words and asked his mercy and help anyway. She said, 'Yes, I'm a Gentile 'dog', but even the dogs eat the children's crumbs.' Jesus was moved by her humble faith and blessed her and her daughter.

Application: Lord, I come to you anyway, seeking only your mercy.
One Word: Seek God with humble faith