The encounter of Jesus with the Canaanite woman has sparked
a flurry of interpretations. Jesus does
not seem to be at his compassionate best, as he ignores her entreaty for her
daughter’s well being. Not only do the
disciples encourage him to send her away, “for she keeps shouting at us,” but
he stated his own reasons for his refusal to answer her: “I was sent only to
the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24).
She
persisted by coming to kneel in front of him to state her case. And a most amazing repartee ensues. To her plea “Lord help me,” he responds: “It
is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs” (v. 26). Jews often referred to Gentiles as dogs, so
apparently Jesus descends to a common slur.
Did she slink away at this dismissive remark? Not at all!
She
counters, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their
masters’ table.” Impressed with her
persuasive argument, Jesus answers: “Woman, great is your faith! Let if be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
That this
exchange, which does not portray Jesus in the most flattering light, even made
it into this Gospel is remarkable. A
woman speaks directly to him and, seemingly, wins the debate. This narrative reflects a larger vision of
inclusion in Matthew’s community—both of women and Gentiles—than we often
surmise.
Further, it suggests that as Jesus
faces new demands, he must improvise to be faithful to his calling. Matthew’s Gospel portrays Jesus as a “new
Moses,” offering a Sermon on the Mount reminiscent of Moses bringing God’s
instruction down from Mount Sinai. Like
Moses, Jesus confronts unexpected challenges that call for extemporaneous
solution, which serves to expand the mission of God. Moses’ willingness to send spies into Canaan
before attempting to enter the land is the prelude to the story of Rahab,
another Canaanite women who figures in God’s mission of redemption.
This week I am meeting with the
Ministers Council of the ABC. Graciously,
the leadership of this important professional advocacy group for ABC clergy has
invited me to tell “the Central story.”
They are interested in how an organization or institution can make the
kind of changes that move it from surviving to thriving. To no ones surprise, I will speak about
expanding the mission.
Over the past several years,
Central has been willing to experiment, improvise, and listen to new challenges
from churches. One of the most important
aspects of our renewal has been our capacity to include those who speak other
languages, those without educational privilege, those who want a more
entrepreneurial preparation for ministry, and those who need flexibility in
educational delivery.
Seeing from another’s perspective
led Jesus to offer his healing grace to an outsider. I trust Central will also listen attentively
to what is being asked of the seminary in a time of rapid change.
Molly T. Marshall
Central prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping
church, and serving humanity.
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