Mark 7:24-30  This scene is set in Tyre.. a city near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  Jesus went to a house there, Mark tells us. "He wanted no one to know of it; yet He could not escape notice."   

We know that Jesus went where the Father sent Him and spoke what the Father told Him.  He traveled this distance for the Father's purposes....

We see Jesus in a Gentile region, entering a  ( probably?) Gentile house.. and encountering a Gentile woman.  The woman cried out to Jesus to cast the demon out of her young daughter.  Matthew tells us that the woman continued to shout, even when Jesus would not answer her. Even the disciples were stirred up by the woman's shouting and told Jesus to send her away.  But, Jesus spoke to her words that might have discouraged anyone.. "Let the children be satisfied first, for is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." 

This woman continued to place her faith in Jesus, answering, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children's crumbs."  A crumb.. just a morsel.. was enough for this desperate woman.  Jesus told her, " Because of this answer go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter." 

"And going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, the demon having departed."

With faith.. in humility.. and perseverance.. this woman received the answer to her greatest need.. deliverance for her young daughter.  She asked for a crumb.. and received so much more. Perhaps someday in heaven we will meet this Syrophoenician woman.. and her daughter and hear  the rest of the story!  

But.. meanwhile.. let us see Jesus.. and learn more of Him through this snapshot. Traveling far away from His home and family.. going to a Gentile area.. meeting the need of one desperate mother.. finding her to have faith that would not let go of the Him.. until He answered.  Is this what we do? Do we come to Him with our needs and not give up?  Do we trust Him with our children? Do we have enough faith to ask for a crumb and believe it is enough?  

Our Father.. You reign over all of heaven and earth and there is none like You. Thank You for this Savior of mercy and love.. willing to go where You send Him.. willing to meet the needs of those who will humble themselves before Him.. and willing to deliver those who cannot even ask for themselves.  How great and good You are. Lord Jesus, come and fill us with Your Spirit and lead us to know You more.. to trust You more.. to believe that You will not withhold mercy for the least of us. We need You now, Lord. May our eyes be opened to see You and our hearts receive all that You have for us Father.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.