Nougat 14

Hi

We continue to reflect on name calling and offense with today’s Holy Nougat

“She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.”” Mark‬ ‭7:28‬ ‭NLT

Scraps are leftovers. Usually representing the undesired bits … or as some o ma peeps would say, ‘what lef’. The woman’s remark cannot be taken just by itself, but ought to be reflected on within the wider context of the Mark story.

A. Jesus had recently fed the multitude. And from the 5000+ banquet guests’ meal came 12 baskets of scraps-leftovers!!!!

B. The Pharisees were counted among the ‘children’ whom Jesus references – both historically and socioculturally. Jesus had tried to ‘feed’ them even more recently and His efforts were rejected.

C. In that Jesus-Pharisees episode, Jesus was obliged to remind the Pharisees that literal food has less impact on the soul than that which the heart nourished. Or, from the abundance of the heart, comes forth speech.

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Taken together, one notes –

As the woman had a clear knowledge of Jesus’ identity, it is possible that she knew of the scraps’ miracle. 12 baskets in excess meant there was enough for any ‘dog’ waiting (im)patiently by the table. She was preparing for her share! By the hook or the crook; she was getting her miracle.

If the Pharisees were not prepared to accept Jesus in their midst; she was preparing to take her share. Just as the rocks would have prophesied; so would she; a gentile take what the children refused and rejected. She KNEW what Jesus had to offer. And her child’s wellbeing was a gourmet meal in that moment.

If the abundance of the heart is revealed through speech; then the woman’s quick rejoinder shows her faith and humility. It wasn’t about Jesus’ prejudice for her. She had no qualms about hierarchies and designations; provided she could talk her way into her miracle. Like Mary, Jesus’ mother, the woman also understood the moment. And that was the moment to ‘humble herself and seek miracles’; not take offense at Jesus’s language. Her heart KNEW the time was perfect for her miracle.

And it was.

What is the wider context in our narrative? Where has Jesus been and what has He been about? Are we conscious of the abundance of provisions and leftovers round about us; or are we waiting for rock stone revolutions? This isn’t about prosperity gospel; rather it is about recognizing and seeking God’s provision for us – whether we are natural heirs or adoptees. It is about recognizing Christ as our Messiah in the good and bad times; about reading the times correctly to rise above offensive experiences to that which God has in store.

Dog, which dog? Well, I’m happy to take part of the basket of scraps off You please Jesus. That’s faith. That’s humility.

Selah

In Christ’s love and grace . . .