The Miracle Of A Woman's Faith

In the miracle of Jesus' healing a Canaanite mother's demon-possessed daughter, we confront a different kind of Jesus. Is he the same Jesus whom we often describe as "meek and mild?" Can this be the same man who blesses little children, gives sight to a blind beggar, forgives an adulterous woman, heals a lady by her touch of his garment, and tells the story of a Good Samaritan?

Here we experience a Jesus who does not seem to fit into this portrait. He ignores a woman's cry for help. He addresses his disciples in her presence as though she were not present. He insults her by referring to her and her race as "dogs." At all other times he was the kind, loving, eager-to-help person. Now this! Are we shocked and disillusioned? Do we think less of Jesus than befo…