06.23.2023 Faith of a Foreigner - A Crumb

 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Jesus is stunned by the Canaanite woman’s reply. He tried to put her off as forcefully as possible. Instead of going away she answered with great faith. While so many people were demanding that Jesus do what they wanted, with ever increasing magnitude, this woman says, “All I need is a crumb.” She understood the merest morsel from Jesus’ table was enough to banish the demon plaguing her daughter. Jesus is surprised as her faith and humility. He sees in her heart that this is not a platitude to win him over, she genuinely believes this. How about you? Will you humbly accept the morsel of God’s grace with the faith that it can meet your deepest needs? God is not stingy with his grace and favor, but I think he is often put off by our entitlement mentality, demanding that he meet our needs the way we think is best. Jesus is surprised because, where others demand his service she accepts whatever he has as enough. His response is to instantly fulfill her request. How do you approach God?

Lord God, humble my heart and increase my faith to accept what you give as exactly enough for me. Amen.

True humility does not know that it is humble. If it did, it would be proud from the contemplation of so fine a virtue. ― Martin Luther

True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. ― Rick Warren