Breaking the Word

Then Jesus went from that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us." He said in reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But the woman came and did him homage, saying, "Lord, help me." He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed from that hour.  (Mt 15:21-28)

Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. But when his disciples questioned him he answered them promptly. Was Jesus silent to the Canaanite woman because she was a foreigner? Whatever might be he ignored her. Ignoring is one way of saying that one is not wanted or one is not happy with the person etc. jesus clearly does so as we see it at the end of the scene.

Disciples came forward and pleaded for him. Jesus’ answer seems to be so divisive. He speaks in exclusive language. There must be a reason for it because he came to build a kingdom that was all inclusive. But the language that Jesus uses in this context is very offensive to the listener. Jesus clearly shows that both she and her daughter do not belong to him.

The woman continues to plead and the answer given by Jesus is more offensive to say the least. He indirectly calls her a dog. (Dog is the animal that goes back to its vomit. 2Peter 2:22. Probably she will return to her religion after the healing…). She expresses her faith clearly in front of all. She indirectly says that the benefits reach even those who are outsiders. Faith makes all things possible.

Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once (Jesus) spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how (strong) the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God." After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.  (Mt 14: 22-36)

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side of the sea. Jesus had planned this move. He wanted them to learn a lesson through the following event. The disciples also left for the other side because they were sure of themselves. At least some of them were fishermen and hence they knew the sea and they knew how to manage the rough sea.

Among the disciples Peter was certainly a fisherman. He was confident of himself. This is one of the reasons why he asked Jesus to let him also walk on the water. Jesus wanted to teach him (probably) a lesson so he let him do it. Peter tried it by himself and he was a failure. He had already said once to Peter unless it is revealed from the father you would not have said this.

Jesus taught the disciples that they should have faith. In the case of miracles also, Jesus told the persons who were healed that their faith had healed them. In life anything positive or successful is a gift of God and this is give for those who are men of faith. Faith is essential for a happy and successful life. Men of little faith also live their lives but they struggle through difficulties and problems.