-Strength for Today- "The Sufficiency of Crumbs. - Mathew 15: 21-28.

   Throughout the New Testament, crumbs are referenced as remnants of food, probably fragments of food that people wiped their hands, as if they were throwing crumbs to dogs. We read in verse 22, of a woman of Canaan, who cried out to Jesus saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David, my daughter is grievously waxed with a devil”  The woman is not to be put off and persists in seeking the Lord's help, even if it is only to be the crumbs that fall from the "masters' table."  Jesus praises the "great faith" of this woman and commands that her plea be granted. It is no sooner spoken than it is done. 

  In verses 26-29, by “children Jesus means the Jews,” and the dogs, Gentiles.” His attitude wasn’t a derogatory concept, but intended to test the woman’s faith, which was awarded by a miraculous healing. The term “dog” (kuhariois in the Greek) means, “little dogs, or pets,” and not wild scavenging beast. She said, “Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the master’ table” -v.27.  If you’ve ever had a dog in the house while you are eating dinner you know exactly what she’s saying.  A crumb falling from the table is not there long enough to be a problem.  Learn what she’s saying today.  The dog is so focused on getting anything dropped, they don't care “what it is,” it can be a small crumb and they’re all over it.  Do you see why this woman is about to receive from God?  She’s “the dog” looking for “the crumb.” So, always agree with God. Of course, if yours're His child now, He’s not going to call you “a dog,” just learn what is happening here and don't get so easily:  

• Offended or  
• Side tracked. 

   So, what is Jesus teaching us about faith from this passage? Do you remember what the woman came for?  Her daughter was being grievously vexed by a devil.  What does that mean?  By looking up the words “grievously vexed by a devil” in “Strong’s Concordance,” we learn that the child was possessed by an evil spirit that caused her to be greatly sick or diseased.  

  This woman of Canaan teaches us a great lesson on faith, because all we need is “a crumb from the Master’s table” and our sin sick soul is healed. Jesus said, that “bread was for the children” –v.26. My question to you, “are you one of God’s children?” I know that I am! 

  I pray that something from this “lesson on faith” will challenge your attitude, so that you’ll seek God, no matter how dire your situation might be. 

Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD