May 12, 2019
Because Jesus was called first to the Jewish people, he spent the majority of his time with them. However, he also loved all people, and on one occasion he went north to the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon (John 3:16). There, he met a woman who had a demonically possessed daughter. Although this Canaanite (‘pagan person of the land’) mother had many religious options like the temple of Eshmun—a local god of healing—she had heard about Jesus and his miracle-working ability. Disappointment with the fake should drive people to the genuine (Is. 44:19, 20; Acts 8:13). Though she isn’t a Jew, she submissively called him ‘Lord’ (Gr. kurios,‘master’) and used the Messianic title ‘Son of David’ signifying Jesus as the king of Israel. A right view of Jesus is the first step to a right life with God (John 14:6). Possibly after years of watching her daughter be physically and emotionally oppressed, she knows she is powerless to help her. She cries out for mercy knowing Jesus has power over the natural and supernatural realms. Humility accesses the willing heart of God (James 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6)!