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Christ Breaks Down Racial Barriers
This chapter is based on Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30.
After the encounter with the Pharisees, Jesus left Capernaum
and crossed Galilee to the hill country on the borders of Phoenicia.
Looking westward, He could see the ancient cities of Tyre and Sidon
with their heathen temples. Beyond was the Mediterranean, over
which the messengers of the gospel were to carry its joyful news to
the centers of the world’s empire. The work before Him now was to
prepare His disciples for their mission.
“Behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried
out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My
daughter is severely demon-possessed.’” The people of this district
were idol worshipers, despised and hated by the Jews. The woman
who now came to Jesus was a heathen, and so she was excluded
from the advantages the Jews daily enjoyed.
News of Christ’s work had reached this region. This woman
had heard of the Prophet who, it was reported, healed all kinds of
diseases. Hope sprang up in her heart. Inspired by a mother’s love,
she determined to present her daughter’s case to Him. He must heal
her child. At times she was tempted to think,
What can this Jewish
Teacher do for me?
But the word had come, He heals all kinds of
diseases, whether those who come for help are rich or poor.
Christ knew that this woman was longing to see Him, and He
placed Himself in her path. By ministering to her sorrow, He could
give a living example of the lesson He intended to teach. This was
why He had brought His disciples to this region. He wanted them
to see the ignorance existing in cities and villages close to Israel.
The people to whom God had given the truth made no effort to help
others in darkness. The partition wall that Jewish pride had built
shut even the disciples from sympathy with the heathen world. Jesus
would break these barriers down.
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