Crumbs From the Master’s Table

But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and kept praying, Lord, help me! And He answered, It is not right (proper, becoming, or fair) to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs. She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the little pups (little whelps) eat the crumbs that fall from their [young] masters’ table.  Then Jesus answered her, O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you wish. And her daughter was cured from that moment. Matthew 15:25-28 Amplified 

Crumbs. My grandchildren create a lot of crumbs which fall to the floor. Years ago when my daughter and son-in-law had a dog, Madison, there were never any crumbs left after dinner. Madison took care of them all. Now—there are crumbs and someone has to sweep up. 

Crumbs—spiritual morsels that are shared with Gentiles. That is what this woman was after. A healing touch to deliver her daughter from demon possession. Jesus had been healing in all Galilee—and people were brought to Him from Syria, Decapolis, Jerusalem and Judea to be healed of various diseases, pain, and every kind of sickness including demon possession epilepsy and paralysis.

It wasn’t that Jesus wasn’t interested in healing Gentiles—but His focus was on the Hebrew people. He even sent His disciples out to serve and save the lost Israelites. (See Matthew 10:1-15). And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8.  

This Canaanite woman was rewarded for her persistence and faith. Jesus healed her daughter. This is shortly before a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. Watch for it.   

RSVP: Jesus is wanting to see if people have faith in Him—and to be like this woman persistently asking for His help. How would you rate your faith and trust in the Lord? How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer ~ Great is Your faithfulness, Lord (Deuteronomy 32:4). You are faithful to hear our prayers May we be faithful to seek You first in our lives (Matthew 6:33) and persistent to ask and thankful when we receive.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.