An Unexpected Gospel from An Unexpected Place

In Mark’s gospel, Mark 7:24-37, Jesus has a conversation with a Syrophoenician woman which marks the beginning of his mission to the Gentiles and the world.  A turning point.

Pastor David Nelson asked us how many of us grew up with the perfect Jesus.  A Jesus who was never rude, grouchy or offensive.  Never messed up or fell short.  Never struggled, faltered or had fears to overcome.

In today’s gospel, Jesus is tired.  Bone tired from all the work he had done and having to put up with his continually clueless disciples and he just wants to rest.

A Gentile woman approaches him, he chastises her but she challenges him with her answer and Jesus accepts the instruction of the woman and is moved to a new understanding of who he is and what he needs to do.

Be open to the truth that God isn’t finished with us.