It must have been about a 50 km walk from the area around the Sea of Galilee to the northern coast and the city of Tyre. Sidon was further north again. It would be interesting to know why Christ chose to go to these Gentile cities. Perhaps He wanted to show the disciples that His love was for the Gentiles also, even though He said Himself He was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel A few days before, Christ had tried to take His disciples to a quiet spot for rest but the crowds had found them there. Then Pharisees from Jerusalem had traveled north to confront Christ. Perhaps to find the quietness He had been looking for, He led His disciples across the coast. It was a hilly country which they walked through before coming out onto the coastal plain. It would be a real opportunity for Christ to give quiet instruction and teaching to the twelve. We do not know how long this visit lasted; perhaps it was several weeks before Christ returned to Galilee. But it was long enough for one Gentile woman to be given deliverance for her daughter who was demon possessed. The interchange between this woman and Christ was very interesting. She certainly was persistent and finally won the word of commendation and healing from Christ. The woman accepted the analogy Christ made but came back with a splendid answer. She took up His reference to dogs and said, "True, but when the children are fed, the dogs gain something too. They get the crumbs which fall from the table. So, do you have a crumb for me to help meet my need?" Jesus recognised her faith and her need and quickly commended her faith. Her daughter was released from the power of the demon immediately even though Christ never actually saw the child. Her faith won what she was asking for. This is what Christ is still looking for when we make our requests known to Him. He can answer our prayers today even though He is not physically present with us now as He was back then. |
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