Fully Human, Fully Divine

He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food 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, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” Matthew 15. 21 - 28

The gospel passage appointed for yesterday tells a confusing story about Jesus's treatment of a Canaanite woman who begs Jesus to heal her daughter. It is not fair to throw the children's food to the dogs, he says. The food of the children of Israel should not be fed to the Gentiles...Yikes. Those words don't seem possible coming from the mouth of the Son of God. And yet, Jesus pauses and something happens in him. It seems he recognizes his mistake. I would suggest that here we have a beautiful example of how Jesus was fully human. Sometimes in our lives we have to unlearn things; part of being human is to admit being wrong.

Perhaps this is a great example for us of the power of admitting our mistakes, of metanoia, turning and loving. Brings to mind WWJD - What would Jesus do? These words of confession seem appropriate paired with this story.

Most merciful God,

we confess that we have sinned against you

in thought, word, and deed,

by what we have done,

and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart;

we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,

have mercy on us and forgive us;

that we may delight in your will,

and walk in your ways,

to the glory of your Name. Amen.