The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-07-14
MARK VII, 22-SO.

tive, He received the words Of PLATE Matt XVI:
63). Nothing can be more discouTaging than
apparent Indifference and yet the Syro.Phcncian
woman did not abandon her case. She turned
to the disciples with entreaty, hoping to secure
their intcrcession But they were unsympathe.
tic and being annoyed by her repeated cries,
hesought Jesus to send her away CMatt. Nv;
23). They cared more for their comfort than
for her trouble, and desired to be rid of her by
any mchtod, Their salfshncss, however relieved
the situation somewhat, for Jesus spoke, dcclar.
ing to them that lie was sent to the lost sheep
OF the houses of Israel (Matt. XIV: 2D. That
was complete rejection of the supplant as
beyond the limits Of our Sayiour's ministry. Ii
the disciples had not previously understood this
limitation (John il ~, they certainly did after
ward, and made IL the basis of important teach.
ing tRom, Nv: s.. They were also confined in
the same way during His lifetime (Nlatt. X: %.
IMPORTANTLY. The Master and His disciples
moved on and entered into house. where they
hoped to be alone unknown MARK vii: 30. But
III short time the woman was there. Breaking
through all conventional barriers she prostratcd
herself at the feet of Jesus, assuming the atti-
tude OF an humble inferior and cried out: "Lord,
help me- Matt. XIV: 2j). The Saviour's reply
appears cold and severe at is not meet to take
the children's bread" meaning the good things
that belong TO the Jews, "and cast it to the
N"~H NNclac 1iJ HtdUlnS lHe GenllleS, as lney
were probably designated (hatt. vii; O.. Thus
lie held the same position as when lie replied to
the disciples by the way. What before lie
claimed to be unlawful because Of His mission,
lie now urges as improper The two sentences
are two sides Of one great truth-the first offer
OF the Gospel was to be made to the children of
Abraham (Acts iii: 2G). The woman was not
offended at the title applied to her neither dis.
heartened by the rejection. Confessing herself
as outside the covenant she takes up the figure
used by Christ, and renews her plea, saying "the
dogs eat the crumbs" Verse 2G) She would
deprive the children Of nothing She only
sought the fragments which they did not need
1t was beautiful sally Of wit
REWARD.-The suit was at last gained. Jesus
could not longer withhold His power. Instantly
| lie wrought in the distant heathcn home, com.
mandng the demon to release his grasp upon
the daughter (Yerses 293O). Turning to the
mother lie changed His style of speech. 30,
woman" He said, ii astonished and pleased,
! great is thy faith" (Matt, XIV: 2s). 1t is
| probable that His former words, apparently un.
kind, were intended to bring out the exhibition
| which He now commends. There were several
admirable elements in her faith. She believed
that Jesus was Lord and Christ, a belief that
came very slowly into the minds Of the apostles
/ Matt. xvi: l6). She believed that He was able
, to relieve her daughter; that lie had power
over evil spirits. She believed all this so firmly
that although rejected four times, she still plead.
| ed her case, humbling herself in the last in
stance 10 the lowest place to accept the least
gift. Hers was an overcoming faith q John ":
| A. 1t is no wonder that Jesus said unto her,
'be it done unto thee as thou wilt" granting
her full desire