Following Jesus in the Gospel of MarkSample

GENTILE FAITH

Look Closely: Jesus went to the Gentile region of Tyre, a city that was home to many wealthy people who oppressed Jews. A woman came to Him with a request for healing for her daughter. Not only is she a woman, but she is a Gentile, and she is from a privileged group of enemies. Jesus doesn’t immediately dismiss her request, but how does His answer highlight the boundaries being crossed?

-In Mark 7:28, how does the woman’s reply show her humility as well as her persistent faith?

-Why did Jesus ultimately grant her request for healing?

-How does this incident foreshadow the gospel reaching the Gentiles?

David Garland writes, “Prejudice against others is a form of egoism. The woman (in this passage) shows the greatest humility that expels her prejudice when she begs for a few crumbs from the bread sent to the Jews.”

Think of a person or a group of people you might have prejudice toward.

-How do you feel when grace is extended to someone from that group?

-How can you turn from your prejudice to offer or accept help?

Challenge: What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it?