Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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A Heart That Sees Beyond 
Bible Reading:  Matthew 15:21-28
“O woman, great is your faith!”

DEVOTION

Matthew 15:21-28 presents a miraculous act of Jesus Christ during his public ministry. The passage describes a non-Jewish woman who approaches Jesus, seeking healing for her daughter. Despite being a woman and a non-Jew, she boldly approaches Jesus, undiscouraged by the potential ridicule and persecution. The woman's response to Jesus' initial hesitation is remarkable. She acknowledges that God is the creator of all things and that some may receive more blessings than others. However, she also notes that even the crumbs that fall from the master's table can be a blessing to those who are not at the table.
In a moment of despair, she stood at the crossroads of hope and disappointment. Yet, her unwavering faith in Jesus propelled her to plead with Him once more. How often do we falter in the face of adversity? This courageous woman's example beckons us to cling to faith, even when all seems lost. Jesus' profound affirmation of her faith continues to echo: "Great is your faith!"
Jesus is moved by the woman's faith and persistence, and he heals her daughter. This encounter serves as a reminder that Jesus' mission is not limited to a specific group or community but is open to all who seek him. Perhaps Jesus did this intentionally, or maybe He was revealing His own thought process. Either way, Jesus is exposing His Jewish mindset here, or possibly, He is demonstrating His own willingness to be corrected in front of the crowd that followed Him.
The passage also highlights the importance of self-reflection and acknowledging one's mistakes. Jesus' initial response to the woman may have been influenced by his cultural and religious upbringing, but he recognizes his mistake and corrects it.
In this passage, we witness Jesus setting the record straight. Through self-reflection and correction, we can give healing and foster meaningful relationships. We can become beacons of lasting joy. Let's work on turning our walls into open doors. This woman didn't try to change who she was to fit in. Instead, she trusted that God would be with her, just as she was. This is where we need to examine ourselves. When we see the growth of others, sometimes our desire is to become like them. Beyond that, we must cultivate the thought that God can work through us just as we are.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to become more aware of my actions and their impact on others. Forgive me for the times I have ignored or neglected others. Help me to use my life to bring joy and happiness to those around me. Amen.

Thought for the day

If we don’t leave too soon, destiny can be rerouted.


Rev. Ashish Thomas George, Boston Carmel Mar Thoma Church

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