Crumbs From the Table
Scripture Reading — Mark 7:24-30
Jesus ... went to the vicinity of Tyre. Mark 7:24
Jesus and his disciples took a journey into a wealthy, prosperous area. Tyre was an impressive place. Along with Sidon and the Decapolis (see Mark 7:31), Tyre was a center of culture, learning, and technology. It was far different from the poorer, more agricultural nation of the Jews, to which Jesus belonged.
In the impressive surroundings of Tyre, however, Jesus met a desperate mother who needed a miracle for her tormented child.
In a curious conversation, Jesus suggested that he had come to serve his own people first, not hers. But the woman refused to take that as Jesus' final answer. She was willing to accept whatever "crumbs" he would offer--that is, whatever attention Jesus was willing to give her and her daughter. Jesus was so impressed with her answer and her faith that he healed the woman's daughter immediately.
Through the response of this loving mother, we see that no matter how wealthy or self-sufficient we might be, we still have needs that only Jesus can fill. And in his ministry to this woman, Jesus shows that all people need to know there is hope and life. It doesn't matter whether we're rich or poor, sophisticated or simple--everyone needs Jesus.
Jesus sees you and your needs each day too.
Lord, thank you that you see me as I am and receive me as I am. Please enable me to come to you with humble faith to receive your mercy. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Kevin DeRaaf
Kevin DeRaaf is the director of Resonate Global Mission, the Christian Reformed mission agency working in more than 40 countries around the world. With a focus on encouraging others to join in God’s mission where they are, Kevin believes that God’s purpose for the local church is to shine as a community of love and grace, showing in tangible ways that Jesus is the hope of the world. He and his wife, Jacquie, have three children and four grandchildren and live in Burlington, Ontario.
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