someone who didn’t belong with them. But the woman didn’t give up. She yelled, “Lord, help me!” She believed there was room for her and her daughter in God’s love. Then Jesus said something very surprising… He compares her to a dog by asking her if it’s fair to give the dogs food meant for children. I know… you are probably just as shocked as I was to hear about this… this doesn’t sound at all like the loving and caring Jesus that we know!
But then, the woman said something very clever… She answered… “Yes, Lord. But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” And Jesus listened. Jesus praised her faith, and her daughter was healed.
What can we discover from this story?
This story reminds us that God’s love is bigger than our circles. Sometimes we make circles around ourselves. We have our family, our friends, our classmates, our teams, and our communities. We can begin to think, “These are my people, and those people are different.” When we begin to think about people in this way, we shut out and leave out people who are most unlike us.
But Jesus shows us that God’s table is much bigger than we can imagine. There is room for everyone. There is room for the person who looks different. There is room for the person who comes from somewhere else. There is room for the person who thinks differently. There is room for the person who feels lonely or forgotten. There is room for you.
Be a Table-Maker.
Jesus shows us not only to believe in God’s love, but to share that love with others. So this week, look around. Who might be sitting alone? Who might need a friend? Who seems like they don’t belong? Instead of walking past them, you can be the person who makes room.
You can say to them… “Come sit with us.” “Want to play?” “Are you okay?” “You can be my friend.” Small acts of kindness can make a very big difference.
I’ve discovered that The Good News isn't only good news for people who are just like us.
God’s love is for everyone. The circle is wider than we think. The table is bigger than we thought. And there is always room for one more. This week, let’s help make God’s love visible by making room for everyone.
Hope you’ll join me on the live stream this Sunday!
Melissa
