Jesus left that place and went to the area around Tyre. Jesus went into a house there. Jesus did not want the people in that area to know he was there. But Jesus could not stay hidden. A woman heard that Jesus was there. Her little daughter had an evil spirit inside her. So the woman came to Jesus and bowed down near his feet. – Mark 7:24-25 NLT
Jesus and his leading followers are still in need of rest. The crowds have pressed upon them repeatedly. However, Jesus’ reputation has now grown and he is well known even far away from his home and center of ministry. Gentiles have heard of his power and know their need for help. In this context—the deep need to withdraw and be alone and the seeking hearts of Gentiles—a woman comes to Jesus with a deep concern on her heart. Her daughter is possessed by an evil spirit. The Phoenician people had a proud, but very pagan, heritage (from a Jewish point of view). They had often been bitter enemies with the children of Israel. For this woman to fall at the feet of a Jew, especially one of “no noble rank,” was indeed a sign of desperation and humility. For the culture that produced Jezebel and a host of condemning words because of their Baal worship, here is a woman who shows dependence and worship to the Savior of the world, who also happens to be Jewish. Not even the distance—geographical and racial—could keep Jesus’ saving power from being known!
Father God, please help us awaken and realize that what we have to share with the world is Jesus—not our technology, our culture, our knowledge. While many other things are good to share and I know we need to be generous in sharing them, please help us to be more passionate about sharing Jesus both in our teaching and in our conduct. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Ken Crawford 