MARK 7:24-37
A new journey is about to
begin – taking “defiled” to another level.
In the first part of
Chapter 7, with an audience comprised primarily of Jews, Jesus has dealt with
issues of uncleanness – that which is defiled – as it has been seen through the
eyes of the Pharisees, sages and rabbis (with their human traditions) instead
how it should be seen through God’s eyes (with purity of heart and integrity).
What better example than to
actually reach out to those considered unclean and defiled – the Gentiles?! To
show the gospel is open to all and not just to an exclusive community. Time to
hit the “Road to Phoenicia.”
DID YOU KNOW…?
This is not the first time
Jesus' path crossed with individuals from this region. From an earlier passage
in MARK: “When they heard about all he was doing, many people
came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan
and around Tyre and Sidon.” [i]
As a
point of reference, “Depending on which way Jesus got to Tyre and Sidon, the
mileage would be about 85 miles north of Capernaum.” [ii] Tyre and Sidon (in present-day Lebanon) were
independent cities though they were part of Syria. They had their own kings,
their own gods and their own coinage. [iii] Located on the coastline of the Mediterranean, they
were unique in their seafaring achievements. Politically independent, one city
might be dominated by another city-state, even though they would still collaborate
in alliances with each other.[iv]
One
thought has Jesus traveling to this region so that he may rest, to get away
from the stress and pressure applied by those who want to see his downfall. Rest
wouldn’t last for long.
A woman
who was Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia, finds Jesus at his resting place and
begs him to heal her daughter who lies ill (defiled) in bed at home. Two items –
“Greek” and “Syrian Phoenicia” – make it clear this woman is a non-Jew. In addition,
MATTHEW 15:22 adds she is a descendant of the Canaanites (“viewed as inherently
wicked and dangerous” [v]). A triple whammy!
Jesus’
response to her plea almost comes across callous, though tone can ease the bite
in his reply. For me, it is more of a test as to how she will react.
What do
we make of these verses (27-29)? Who are these children – to be fed first?
Aren’t dogs seen as unclean?
These
“children” being fed first could be interpreted as the disciples and the Jewish
followers of Jesus. Another way to look at it is “Jesus’ first responsibility
was to preach the gospel to the children of Israel. But that also implied there
would come a time when Gentiles would be the recipients of God’s blessings.” [vi] There is enough food for all. For Jew and
Gentile.
With word
having made its way into the land about this amazing prophet, healer, teacher, “this Syrophoenician woman may represent
Gentile converts among the early followers of Jesus in general.” [vii] As Pedro * stated, her use of “Lord” or “Master” or
“Teacher” (depending on translations) indicates she believes in him. She is
replacing the gods of Phoenicia with one God. No matter how she may be viewed –
even as a dog, “unclean” – by some, she is a child of God and eagerly awaits
for the bread of heaven.
Her bold faith,
coming from a pure place, moves Jesus and her daughter is healed.
Now… talk
about taking a long way to get to the barn. Jesus leaves Tyre, travels north
through Sidon (deep into Gentile territory), heads east then south back around
the Sea of Galilee to Decapolis. Clearly this was not the shortest route to
Decapolis. One scholar estimated this journey took no less than eight months! [viii]
Why the
long commute? Jesus needs time to continue to teach his disciples, to show them
how to transform and impact lives in a new way. This journey is the peace
before the storm.
Upon
arriving in Decapolis, Jesus is approached by a group of concerned men who want
him to help their companion – a man who is deaf and mute. Caring for this
person, Jesus takes him aside, as Norma * shared, to give him his undivided
attention, to concentrate on what he needs. Let’s not have a circus sideshow
using the deaf / mute guy. And from God help comes. The afflicted man is
healed; he can hear and speak.
The
rejoicing and celebration has begun! How do you keep this good news from being
shared? How do you keep a lid on it? Would we be able to not shout it from the
rooftops so all may hear? I know I’d be ecstatic to hear in ears that could not
once hear, to speak words where none had come forth.
To add to
the importance of this story of Jesus sharing the good news with those
considered as defiled and less than, this last verse (37) ties directly into Isaiah 35:5-6. The prophet from long ago foretold of this moment.
And… it has come!
NEXT
No end to
the hunger; what’s this talk of bread
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