Matthew 15:24-28 (NIV)
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Desperation breeds hunger. When in a state of total desperation, humility has the ability to overtake the prideful nature of humanity. The woman who approached Jesus was in such a state. Her small daughter was possessed by a demon. Seeing her daughter tormented day and night had brought the woman to this place. Forcing her way into the Presence of Jesus who had retired for much needed rest, she fell before her only Hope. “Jesus – Help me” was her plea. The woman before our Lord was a Gentile. She was not one of the Children of Israel. This was important as Jesus was sent to turn the hearts and minds of God’s Chosen People – the Jews. As this woman lay prostrate in worship before Jesus, He commented that it would not be right to give to her what was rightfully belonged to someone else. But this woman was determined and would not be dissuaded. Her response was that of humility as she simply states that even dogs are allowed to partake of the crumbs beneath the table of its owner. Jesus was moved by this woman’s great faith and her request was granted. She was willing to simply feast on the crumbs that fell from the table of the Jews who despised her just to partake of Jesus Christ. This was an individual who understood the true value of the “Bread of Life” and was willing to do anything for just a crumb of what Jesus had to offer! Pride would not keep her or her family from experiencing the blessings available to those who will do anything for one speck of God’s Goodness through faith in Jesus Christ!
Jesus Christ was not prejudice or discriminate in His Great Love for humanity, however; He was a man on a mission. God had sent Him specifically to die for the sins of Israel. Upon His Arrival, Jesus was accepted by the Gentiles yet rejected by the very one’s of His Greatest Affection. Why? Could it be that pride prevented the Jewish people from accepting a King born in a stable? Or maybe that He was not a major merchant or politician but a simple carpenter who worked with his hands during the first several years of his adult life that made them look away? Is it possible that their idea of salvation was exaltation and not humility before the Son of God? The most important question, “Would you do anything to attain crumbs of the Bread of Life?” Are you desperate enough for Jesus to be present in your life that your pride has been relegated to the backseat or put out on the side of the road? Faith requires humility! It is impossible to have active faith without it. Humility says that I trust anything and everything the Lord does implicitly. Humility abandons self in exchange for salvation no matter what the cost. I will do anything to have but a moment with Jesus Christ! You must be willing and able to snatch the crumbs that the Lord releases for your survival in order to be ready for the loaves that are on the way!
John 6:35-37 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven’t believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.
Jesus Christ had absolutely no intention of rejecting the woman who fell before His Feet that day! His only objective was to see if she was a woman of faith. In her humility and desperate hunger for the Lord, He was satisfied that her love for Him was true and her request was granted. Jesus identifies with the humble. He clutches the “faith-full” close to Him and satisfies their every need. We are His Gifts! His Father gave us to Him and He cherishes us! We are His Prize and He is our Promise. Are you desperate for Jesus today? Are you willing to humble yourself at the Savior’s Feet and accept whatever crumbs fall from His Table? If so, He will overwhelm you with His Goodness. For in that very moment, He will seat you at His table and you will become partakers of the Bread of Life rather than a mere crumb snatcher! Jesus invites you to be His Honored Guest today – will you accept?
Pure Devotion 