Gospel Crumbs are Enough

Matthew 15 records our Lord’s first trip outside of Judea with his disciples into the region of Samaria. This was not friendly territory. Jews hated Samaritans and considered them half-breeds since their family tree had roots both inside and outside of Abraham.

As they traveled, a Canaanite woman came out to meet Jesus, crying to him: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

When Jesus did not answer her, the disciples urged him to shoo her away because she was making a scene. Ignoring the woman and apparently seeing her nearby, Jesus told the disciple...