Humility and Hope: Part II

It never ceases to amaze me how God chooses to affirm what we learn through experience by opening our hearts and minds in the bible. The day before yesterday I wrote about humility and hope - how we need to admit our sinfulness (and even be willing for others to see it), but not let ourselves believe that because of our sinfulness we are useless or hopeless members of the kingdom of God! This morning I sat down to my study of the book of Mark, and found an example of exactly that same truth in the ministry of Jesus. If you have a moment, open your bible to Mark too, and read 7:24-30.

This is a difficult passage in scripture. It really feels like Jesus is kind of being mean, doesn't it? In essence, He is comparing this woman (and therefore all Greek/Gentiles) to dogs. That is offensive, yes? But when we read these things, we have to hold them up against what we know to be true of Jesus. And I refuse to believe that his heart in those moments was to be hurtful, or unloving to this woman. I think he was making a point, and offering this woman the opportunity to respond.

Her response is beautiful, humble, faithful, and an example for all of us. Jesus says that the food must first go to the children, and then what is left will be given to the dogs. She says, "Yes, Lord." Yes to what? Yes, I am a dog. I am spiritually unclean; unfit to sit at this table with you. But she doesn't just stop there. She doesn't say, "Yes, Lord. I am unfit, so I'll just go sit in the corner and cry while you break bread with those more worthy than I." NO! She brings it right back and acknowledges that mere crumbs from Jesus' table would be enough to bring healing and restoration! You see, she isn't offended by Jesus. She admits her sinfulness and unworthiness. . . But she is bold, hopeful, and honest when she responds.

She is the perfect example of humility and hope. The author of my bible study puts the moral of this story like this:

Only if you admit you are a dog under the table can you become a child at the table. You are more sinful and wicked than you ever dared believe, and yet you are more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope.

I am no different than the Greek woman. I am no more worthy of the love and attention of Jesus than she was. I must acknowledge and admit that I am a sinner! But then, I must boldly approach the throne of God and claim the forgiveness that He offers in Christ!

I am not worthy on my own, but once I have accepted the crumbs that fall from the table I find myself sitting at that very table. . . shoulder to shoulder with Jesus.

Now, you are either completely offended by this or full of joy and hope. If you are offended, take a long and serious look at why. Jesus was not a racist; he was not intolerate and unloving. He challenged the religious leaders who wanted the faith to look that way. He wanted to open the door of salvation to every man, woman, and child - no matter what cultural or racial background they carried. But following after Jesus does require us to humble ourselves, and to recognize that all of our good works are like filthy rags compared to the righteousness and holiness that God requires.

We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. Isaiah 64:6

And yet:

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor— sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:17

Because of us, we must be humble. . . because of Him, we dare find hope!