If there ever was a great message – it is that even just grasping for the crumbs of our daily bread – Jesus – is so worth the pick-me-up…

Here is an old writing I did – still love the story:

Precious story – Jesus and a Gentle woman, a Canaanite, Jesus NEVER refuses the call for Him to provide mercy. Matthew’s Gospel are writings to the first Christian communities – new in their faith…

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 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. (Matthew 15: 21-28)

Mercy, Jesus NEVER refuses the call of Mercy…
Matthew describes the ever-present crush of people seeking Jesus – crushed by the crowds and yet a small puppy of a persistent person catches an eye and an ear… Oh just the crumb of connection… This Canaanite woman would not be brushed off by the disciples, she is smart and very engaging in her direct conversation with Jesus. We need to be that way too.

She has faith that the Lord, her Lord, could save her daughter.  We need that faith too. Even if she knows she is on the outside (a Canaanite to a Jew), this woman is going to try anyway… Persistent – begs for mercy – giving it all she has… that is us too saying “I have to try”… saying “I have to talk to Jesus”… she believes in His mercy… we can too… Jesus takes pity… Jesus says ‘all you need is faith’… Jesus says ‘it is your faith that heals you’…

Crumbs are what the puppies will take… Crumbs at the bottom of the bag, they still taste sweet and are full of flavor… Better a crumb than nothing. Crumbs… the last few crumbs of your hope… a last-ditch effort… try and try – and know your faith will bring you to Jesus’s mercy… We have to try… We have to believe…

If we don’t believe in Jesus, we won’t look for Jesus…

If anyone can help us, Jesus can. Jesus does.
Jesus NEVER refuses a sincere cry for Mercy. Seek Him.

Everyone, no matter what, can ask for mercy. Follow Him.

Ask Him.

I know I do… How about you?

Jesus loves you.