Mark 7:24-37 (NRSV)
Read Mark 7:24-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis.
Verse 32They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him.
Verse 33He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue.
Verse 34Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened."
Verse 35And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
Verse 36Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.
Verse 37They were astounded beyond measure, saying, "He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."
Devotion
There are at least two ways to read Jesus’ response to the Syrophoenecian woman—as straight or sly. If straight, Jesus is annoyed and indignant because she is not a Jew and is therefore undeserving of his attention. If sly, Jesus is provoking a response he knew was in her.
I like both ways of reading it. I like to think that Jesus, like us, could be momentarily out of step with love and could learn from others. I also like that he may have already been inclined to help her but pretended to share the prejudice of his own people. Either way her response is remarkable. Luther admired her dogged faith: “A dog am I? Then give a dog her due!” he remarks.
Whether you prefer to imagine that Jesus intentionally provoked her, or that she gave him a lesson in love, she—even though regarded as someone outside “The Faith”—demonstrates a remarkable faith.
Prayer
Your Spirit is not bound by the borders we construct. You have shown us that faith is not confined to a particular creed or people. Teach us Your love. Amen.