The following is contributed by a B4Ter in Central Asia.
A Story of Healing
In Matthew 15:22-28, we read a fascinating story of a Gentile woman who comes to Jesus for healing for her daughter. It appears she thinks she’ll have better success if she tries to pass herself off as a Jew by using the very Jewish title for Jesus “Son of David.” He sees through it and works with her to stir her faith telling her it’s not right to give the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs, an obvious reference to Jews being “children” and “dogs” being the common Jewish view of Gentiles at the time. She is tenacious and doesn’t take a seeming “no” for an answer but replies—yes, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the children’s table. Jesus is ecstatic: “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” Her daughter was healed instantly.
Here are a few thoughts. We see again a common theme in the gospels where Jesus is not only not offended by audacious demands on Him and the resources of heaven, but He DELIGHTS in them. Don’t be timid in your requests with God! He says it will be done for her “as you desire.” The Greek word here, “thelo” means just that – your desire, wish, resolve, purpose, your determination; that which you delight in, are fond of, or take pleasure in.
Healing is Our Bread
Also note what Jesus calls healing: the children’s bread. Not “the children’s dessert,” or “the children’s special rare treat.” The children’s bread. Healing IS the children’s bread. A staple. Common, daily, nourishing. Something that children are correct to expect to receive and gratefully consume as much as desired. We who are believers in Christ are now joined to Him as His family. Healing is our bread. Healing is YOUR bread. Are you or someone you know in need of healing? Go to Jesus for this bread. Don’t be timid. He is delighted for you to come and say “I need to eat daddy, or, my friend is hungry,” EXPECT that he will grant you your desire.
OPEN USA supports workers in the 10/40 Window, who are doing Business for Transformation. This author’s identifying information has been withheld due to security reasons. To learn more about OPEN USA and B4T, visit Find Yourself in B4T.