Bible Study
-God wants you well; not sick or dead.
The Syrophoenician Woman of Tyre and Sidon created more than a scene to catch Jesus’ attention. She made certain that Jesus and His disciples were very uncomfortable. She created such discomfort that nauseated the disciples to the point that they walked up to Jesus to complain that she’s almost driving them crazy with her shouts and outbursts (Matthew 15: 22-23).
“And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”
Matthew 15:22-28 NKJV
All this Woman wanted was for Jesus to drive out an evil spirit that has cruelly afflicted her daughter. And should that be a problem for Jesus? No! Jesus spent most of His time on earth doing good and healing ALL who were oppressed (Acts 10:38).
So why was Jesus making things difficult for this Woman? Why did He choose to remind her of a most revered Jewish religious and traditional belief by saying “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel“, “it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs”?
My Thoughts…..
I believe that Jesus wanted to utterly eliminate any barrier that could potentially obstruct the healing process. The barrier of unworthiness was already evident in the Syrophoenician’s woman’s request when she cried out for mercy. Mercy, because from her understanding ‘divine healing’ was an exclusive preserve of the Jewish people. Jesus wanted to change that mindset. And the moment the woman made the switch, by pleading for the ‘crumbs’ ‘drops’ or ‘remnants’ of healing , Jesus became elated, He was excited. Jesus connected with her faith and the healing she sought was a done deal
While we appreciate the import of that, while we understand that it is impossible to experience ‘divine healing’ without faith, let’s do a little more studying to navigate towards the main thrust of this article.
What Do ‘Crumbs’ And Bread Mean?
Crumbs are pieces, residue or fragment of bread or baked food. They are usually irrelevant to people savoring the main meal or bread. Crumbs are not filling. They do not satisfy. They do not successfully quench hunger.
Bread, on the other hand, is the food one needs in order to live. We take in bread in order to nourish and repair the body. Bread should provide energy. Bread should satisfy and sustain. The ‘daily bread’ Jesus encouraged us to ask the Father for was to be a routine (Matthew 6:11). Something we need for daily use and living.
That’s one way to understand ‘bread’.
When you read Matthew 15:22-28, you may also understand ‘bread’ the way Jesus used it there to mean something that is readily available and accessible. Something that can be easily reached.
What Was Jesus Saying To The Canaanite? ……
I believe that He was saying…..’Healing is the children’s bread, it is available always. Healing is accessible always. Healing should be a daily experience for every child of God. Healing belonged to the children.
If something is said to belong to someone then that things is the person’s possession, the person’s own, the person has it.
In the Old Testament, God healed His people in different ways. Moses could be asked to lift up the serpent in the wilderness, someone could be asked to drink from a particular stream, or to go wash several times in a particular river, and so on. Their obedience and faith brought them the desired outcomes.
Jesus Christ introduced a new way for God’s people to live in health…by His Stripes we are healed…
“but He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53: 5.
“who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness- by whose stripes you were healed,” 1 Peter 2:24
We gain access to this healing by faith; faith in the living and powerful Word of God.
“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.”
Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV
Faith in God’s Word on healing heals.
Healing is available, healing is accessible, healing is the children’s bread.
I totally love Isaiah 40:8; ……
“the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” -Amplified Version.
……the Word of God does not fade or fail, it can be trusted absolutely.
Amen!
