Even the Dogs

But she answered Him, "Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."

Mark 7:28 (NLT)

This conversation took place between Jesus and a Gentile lady requesting help for her demon possessed little daughter. Mark wrote that she begged Him for help. This mother fell down at His feet. She was desperate. 

The ensuing conversation may seem at first glance that Jesus was insensitive and harsh. She was not Jewish. She was out of the ordinary of the people following Jesus. They were mostly from the Jewish community. Some have struggled to read that Jesus said, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 

The term "dogs" was a common Jewish metaphor for Gentiles, reflecting the cultural and religious divide of the time. While it may seem harsh, Jesus uses this metaphor to test the faith of the Gentile woman and to illustrate the prevailing Jewish view of Gentiles. His later actions reveal the tenderness and compassion that Jesus has for all people. “Whosoever will may come,” wrote John in John 3:16. 

In Ephesians 2:14-16, Paul wrote, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” He was referring to the wall between Jews and Gentiles. 

Let’s go back to the phrase, “even the dogs.”  

No matter how low a person is or feels, Jesus is available. 

No matter what circumstances have forced you to your knees, Jesus cares. 

You may feel isolated. You may believe you are unlovable. You might think that you have gone too far for Jesus to help you, but that is not true. When this woman reminded Him that even the dogs get table scraps dropped by the children, Jesus was moved and sent her on her way with the promise of her daughters healed condition. 

“And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone,” says Mark 7:30 (ESV).

Reach out to Jesus today. Tell Him exactly what is happening and how you are spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Appeal to Him even for the scraps from the table. So-called scraps in the hand of Jesus are to be as much desired as the main dish on the table.

Trust Him. Wait on Him. Love Him. You are loved.