“And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.” - Mark 7:24-30, ESV.

Jesus wasn’t intentionally being mean. He didn't consider this woman a dog unworthy of His time. He was simply stating the plan, His orders from His Father. He came to prove His divinity and present the salvation plan to the Jews, and they were supposed to tell it to the world.

She and the world of Gentiles would be ministered to and offered salvation, but only after Jesus attempted to reach the Jews and send them out. But Jesus couldn't help Himself. Jesus, the loving God in the flesh, saw this woman's faith and was compelled to act. His compassion for the lost and afflicted would not allow even Him to ignore her request.

Yes, there were probably motives we do not know about, and yes, that healing probably set off a chain reaction in which that woman and her daughter shared their healing story among the Gentiles, but don't miss the simple point.

Jesus is neither too busy nor too focused on the greater plan to help you. Your faith and affliction constantly tug on His heartstrings. Yes, He will stick to the plan for your life, but there will be moments when He will show compassion before it's time. This story is proof of that truth.

Our reigning, justice-bringing, hammer-down God is a big softie sometimes. -Pastor Mike

BTW, I donated my old watch to charity; it was about time I did something good.