Crumbs
by Verena Johnson
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‘Lord,’ she replied, ‘even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs’ (Mark 7:28).
During the next few days, we will read through an average ministry week in the life of Jesus in Mark. We start with this story.
Jesus was travelling in Gentile territory when a Gentile woman approached him, threw herself at his feet and begged him to heal her daughter, who was possessed by a demon … Jesus ignored her.
Why would he do that? Jesus loves everyone, doesn’t he? Yet he tells her that he was only sent to the children of Israel. She was a Gentile, so he couldn’t help. It would be like throwing the children’s food to the dogs. Basically, he calls her a dog. That’s a bit strong, isn’t it?
‘Dogs’ sounds harsh, but the term he used was the Greek diminutive kynaria, which meant little dogs, household pets. Jesus also said that the children of Israel had to be fed ‘first’. He threw her a bit of hope that her turn might come if she waited.
So, what did the woman do? At this stage, I probably would’ve been so embarrassed and humiliated that I would’ve just wanted the ground to swallow me up. But she persisted. She argued back. She used Jesus’ rebuff to her advantage. ‘Even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’
Don’t knock crumbs. They do mount up. My mother-in-law would carefully gather all the crumbs on the breadboard from cutting bread and put them in a container in the freezer to use later for cooking. I was amazed at how quickly the amount grew and all the different things she used them for.
Anyway, the story has a great ending because, impressed and pleased by this woman’s reply and faith, Jesus healed her daughter.
I am in awe of this woman and her persistence. Her faith was incredible. She had no doubt that Jesus had the power to heal, and she realised that even the crumbs of what Jesus could do would be enough.
That’s true for us today, too. But Jesus offers us, his beloved children, far more than crumbs. He comes into our crummy lives and gives us the Bread of Life. He gives us everything. The whole loaf, the entire bakery, and we don’t have to argue or wrestle with him for it.
Precious Jesus, Bread of Life, I thank you for everything you have done for me and everything you have given me. Help me never to take it for granted. I come to you now like that woman and bring you my requests. [Take the time to give Jesus the things on your heart today.] Thank you for hearing and answering my prayers. Amen.
Verena is a Church Worker Support Officer for the LCA Church Worker Support Department, where it is her privilege to support congregations, pastors, lay workers, employees and volunteers of LCA. In her spare time, she is involved in drama ministry, women’s ministry and prayer ministry. She has three children and eight grandchildren in three different states.
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