Question concerning Mark 7:24-30?

Question

We all know the verse that says this:

27 "First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

When correctly interpreted by us, we know that salvation was for the Jew first....and then to the Gentile (us). The woman had faith enough to ask for even just a few crumbs so to speak.

We know the message of scripture is perfect and clear but, do you think that this Syro-Phonecian woman felt a little slighted by Jesus' remark to her...by referring to Gentiles as dogs?

Your thoughts

Answer 1

That's a great question. First, to answer Ross, the Apostle Paul said that salvation was for the Jew first, though the Gentile was always in God's scope of salvation. Romans 1:16 - "the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." That wasn't any interpreters spin, that's a direct quote for Paul under inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts cleary displays it out. Acts 2, the Holy Spirit was given to the Jews and the Gentiles were brought in afterwards through the preaching of the Jewish apostles. Acts 8, the samaritans get the Holy Spirit, and Acts 10 the Gentiles get the Holy Spirit after the apostles (Jewish) lay hands on the Gentile recipients. Second, this was the world wide scope of salvation by faith on display when the "Gentile dog" received this miracle performed by the Jewish Messiah. This was Genesis 12,15,17 on display that through Abraham's seed, the earth would be blessed. I don't think she felt slightest in the least, I think she was the most thankful person in the world at that moment. Remember, Jesus did many things for the benefit of the audience as well. He taught others by not only speaking, but through actions as well. Does the book of James come to mind? (2:14-21)God bless all.

Answer 2

No, I don't think she felt slighted; I think she followed right along with Jesus' reasoning: that Jesus had been sent to first feed the Jews the "bread of life." But all she wanted was a crumb of that bread, which she acknowledged is able to save. Based on her faith, Jesus granted her request.

EDIT: "Ross," see Romans 1:16 and 2:9-10. See also Jeremiah 31:31-34, which tells you the New Covenant was for the Jew first.

Answer 3

There is a film about Jesus (don't know which film; maybe the Time Life one) in which the scene based on this passage was used as an advert. In the scene, Jesus is shown not slighting the woman, but turned away from her and smiling, knowing (perceiving) how she will respond. When she answers, He turns to her and welcomes her faith in Him. It showed a different (and in my opinion much better) way of interpreting the exchange from my previous view. Perhaps the woman in question did feel slighted initially; but when she heard Jesus' answer, and saw His demeanour, then discovered her daughter was no longer possessed, then I'm sure any lingering bitterness was replaced by over-arching joy.
Hope this helps. God bless you.

Answer 4

I'm not sure she was even worried about what Jesus called her. She was concerned about her daughter and knew that Jesus could save her. The gentiles were used to being called names by the Jews and had some choice names to retaliate with. My question in this verse would be "did the woman know Jesus was giving her a test?"

Answer 5

Maybe at first since she was probably used to being called a dog. She probably would have been surprised if he had addressed her equal with the Jews. But she even after that called Him Lord. She recognized He is sovereign. And was willing to accept whatever crumbs He would toss her way. I think she was glad He acknowledged her at all. When He answered as He did....whatever sight slight she felt would have been wiped away with the joy of her daughter being delivered.

Answer 6

The Phonecians were cultists. Israel called them dogs. So, Jesus named her for what she was, because that is what her arts were.

But she knew Jesus was merciful & the Healer. So, she said that even the dogs (witches, sorcerers, etc.) eat the crumbs from the Master's table.

Jesus then called Her a woman of faith. She was no longer a sinner (dog), but a woman of faith. Her faith made her child well.

Answer 7

I don't think so or she wouldn't have responded with such understanding. Jesus came through the Jewish line and the Jews are still God's chosen people. I hate to say it, but, thank God they rejected Jesus or we, as gentiles, would still have a huge problem dealing with our sin. Gentiles are only grafted into the family of God as adopted sons and daughters but the Jewish people are direct descendents of the promise of a savior. I think she understood this well and wasn't offended one bit by Jesus's statement.

Answer 8

No

because even after Jesus said this her response was she worshiped Him
she knew her place, she knew He came first to the Jews but she also knew God repays faith by anyone, and that there where gentiles even in the line of Jesus

Answer 9

Jesus was referring to the Jewish calling Gentiles dogs.remember Jesus shocked the woman at the well and the disciples by daring to talk to her.
yes being called a dog is offensive.Jesus did give her what she wanted.

Answer 10

No,
She knew this, and was so happy to take the crumbs! and called Him 'Lord'. Incidentally it was the only time in Mark Jesus was addressed as Lord.
Understanding it fully, who the children and the dogs are especially, (Greek),
Would you? And even if it was said to you by the Lord today?
Our righteousness is as filthy rags, same with the Jews, It is only the fulfillment of Jesus' death and Resurrection, that makes us who we are in Him*