Matthew 15:21-28 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 15:21-28 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Verse 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." Verse 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." Verse 24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Verse 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." Verse 26He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." Verse 27She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Verse 28Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.
Devotion
"Every step we are chosen and called, every step we are changed." These words are two of the daily themes that I am learning about at camp Emmaus this week. We change at every stage of our lives, but it does not always come easily or without stress. We set goals for our lives and our ministry and start to feel like we understand the direction we are headed. But then something profound happens and we learn something that opens our eyes to new ideas and possibilities. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans". In our gospel lesson today we find Jesus on a mission to the Israelites. He is very protective of those that he feels called to save. But his eyes are opened and he is moved to respond because of the depth of faith of a Canaanite woman.
Prayer
Lord help us to have such conviction of faith that we are able to stay faithful even in the midst of great adversity. Keep us faithful to our callings to serve in your name. Amen.