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Chapter 43—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 withdrew from
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
bear its glad tidings to the centers of the world’s empire. The work
before Him now was to prepare His disciples for their mission.
“Behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and
cried, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is
severely possessed by a demon.’” RSV. The people of this district
were idolaters, despised and hated by the Jews. The woman who
now came to Jesus was a heathen, and therefore was excluded from
the advantages the Jews daily enjoyed.
Tidings of Christ’s work had penetrated to this region. This
woman had heard of the prophet, who, it was reported, healed all
manner 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 manner 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 representation of the lesson He designed to teach. For
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this He had brought His disciples to this region. He desired them to
see the ignorance existing in cities and villages close to Israel. The
people who had been given the truth made no effort to help souls in
darkness. The partition wall which Jewish pride had erected shut
even the disciples from sympathy with the heathen world. These
barriers were to be broken down.
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