30. The Syro-Phoenician Woman (Mark 7:24 – 30)

The first encounter recorded by Mark when Jesus launched his mission into Gentile territory was in the region of Phoenicia, when a women of Phoenician and Syrian background came begging Jesus to cast a demon out of her daughter. Jesus response appears somewhat shocking, when he appears to dismiss her with the disparaging comment, it isn't right to take the bread of the children and throw it to the dogs (!). In spite of the unexpected response, a great lesson comes out of the story, a lesson that was not only of great benefit to the woman who sought Jesus' help, but also for the disciples, and for all who coming seeking mercy from him.