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 children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." After he placed his hands on them, he went away.  (Mt 19:13-15)

The disciples, in this scene, represent the group which works against the children. There are people who do not like children and who consider children as burden and nuisance and keep them away from their busy schedule. Their running around, their noise, their freedom, their happiness at all times, their sense of wonder, etc make a busy person gets  angry. Busy person does not want to be disturbed. 

Jesus, in this scene, stand for those who welcome the children whatever they be. He is preaching an inclusive role which welcomes all. Not only he accepts the children as they are but he is also willing to receive them in whatever situation he himself might be. He does not restrict  or be controlled by the situation in which he is caught up.

And Jesus prefers this option. Option for the children (also). He also gives the reason for his option because the kingdom belongs to such. Children are open, happy, free, fell equal, and they marvel at creation etc. Such qualities are important in the kingdom and the kingdom cultivates such qualities. Kingdom is the place where one feels happy, free, equal, marvel and all that makes one positive.