Under the Table?

Numbers 21-23; Mark 6,7 

“…a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter…’Yes, Lord,’ she replied, ‘but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’”

Mark 7:25, 26, 28

Jesus came for the lost sheep of Israel. However, his Gospel of the kingdom of heaven was also open to all who would believe. The Syro-Phoenician woman pursued Jesus for the ‘crumbs’ of his time and healing power. She compared herself to a dog under the table waiting for a crumb or scrap of food to fall.

Do we see ourselves approaching God that way?

Are we under the table? – Or seated at the table?

Jesus healed this woman’s daughter as well as many other Gentiles. He later said that the tax collectors and prostitutes were entering the king’s banquet hall ahead of the children of the covenant.

Why?

Because the Jewish religious leaders were letting go “of the commands of God and are holding on to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8). Those who feel they deserve a seat at God’s banquet table are not invited; but, those under the table are invited to sit at the table. 

Where are we in the banquet?

“Lord Jesus, thank you for your grace and invitation to eat with you, for your glory.”