Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15: 21 – 28
This has to be one of the most puzzling stories in the Gospels. At first glance, you would be forgiven for feeling that Jesus is being both rude and misogynistic, possibly even racist – “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” – calling a woman in desperate need a ‘dog’.
But that’s not the Jesus I know, the Jesus who is at ease with sinners, occupying troops, lepers and even women, sharing meals and healing them despite the ‘religious’ rules forbidding Him to do so.
So we have to delve a bit further into the significance of what is happening – and when we do, there seem to be two possible interpretations, both of which demand that the passage is contextualised by an awareness of its background.
One possibility is that throughout the Gospels, Jesus is continuously learning about the breadth of His mission. The woman challenges Him to consider whether His ministry is exclusive – for the Jews only – or universal – even to the ‘dogs’, if they accept Him and place their trust in Him. “Great is your faith – let it be as you wish”. Remember that this event takes place before the Transfiguration, when God proclaims Jesus as the Son in who He is well pleased, to be followed by the journey to Jerusalem which results in the fulfilment of Jesus destiny. Everything that has gone before incrementally prepares Him for the cross.
The other explanation is that Jesus knows exactly what He is doing. In front of the Pharisees and scribes, who have taken great offence at Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 15:12) Jesus offers a practical demonstration that, though God has chosen salvation to come from Israel, it is not just for Israel, but the whole of creation. The Messiah they want would reject the dogs (the Gentiles, the unclean, the women). That’s not what they get.
There are arguments for either interpretation. Food for thought.
But whichever, there is no argument that the woman is healed. As are we all, whoever we may be – Jew, Greek, slave, free, man, woman. One in Jesus, the Christ. That’s the important bit.
Previous Posts
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‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.
Praying Together 26th April 2026
Fortunately, God’s love is not restricted to those who do good. He sent His only Son to save sinners – whoever they may be, whatever they may have done wrong.
Praying Together April 19th 2026
Judgement is not restricted to either believers or non-believers – but All people
Praying Together 12th April 2026
Let’s talk about Peter, the ‘Rock’ on which Christ’s Church is built.
Seriously, would you have chosen him? Surely, one of the other Disciples would be the most highly qualified.
Praying Together Easter Sunday 2026
A Reflection provided by the Revd. Barbara Irrgang-Buckley for the First Sunday of Easter
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Through our tears as we stand at the foot of the Cross and witness His Crucifixion on this Good Friday, we have the privilege of looking beyond the day unto a day of joy as we are assured of His life – then, today and tomorrow. We leave our past behind as we walk away from Golgotha, the place of the skull.
Praying Together March 29th 2026
These things are worth meditation and thought, as we enter this Holy Week – but the even more important question that we can only answer for ourselves, is embodied in twelve straightforward words written by Charles Wesley.
How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
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“Lazarus, come out.” He calls Lazarus by name. Even death cannot triumph, and so it is with sin. There is no depth or distance to which human being can go that can prevent them from hearing that call. It is up to them to choose to accept or deny it.
Praying Together 15th March 2026
Simeon, though, didn’t just hear about the Messiah being incarnate in the child – he also knew that the child’s destiny would involve pain and suffering in order to fulfil His mission. And Mary knew too. The consolation of Israel – of the world – would cost her the life of her child.
Praying Together 8th March 2026
And in turn, we are challenged to become messengers ourselves, however unsuitable or ill-equipped we might feel.