Mark 7:24-30
But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” – Mark 7:28
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In the first half of Mark 7, Jesus was still in Galilee, debating with the Pharisees and scribes about what is “clean” and “unclean” (7:1–23). They thought they knew the law well and kept religious traditions, but their hearts were hardened. They replaced the word of God with human teachings and drifted far from the heart of God.
In verse 24, Jesus left that place and went to Tyre, a Gentile city. In the eyes of the Jews, Tyre was an unclean place—outside the reach of God’s favor. Yet it was there, in a land considered far from holiness, that Jesus received a completely different response. A Syrophoenician woman, as soon as she heard about Him, came and fell down at His feet (v. 25).
From a Jewish perspective, this woman had two problems. First, she was a Gentile. Second, she was a woman. Both factors made her “unclean” in the religious culture of that time. In other words, she had no right to come near to God, much less to ask Him for mercy.
But she did not argue about her status. She didn’t protest, “Why are Jews better than us?” Instead, she came because she had heard the reports about Jesus (v. 25). She believed this Jewish teacher was not only a miracle worker but also the merciful Lord who could even save outsiders.
Although Jesus said that the children’s bread must first be given to the children—meaning that the grace of the gospel was to be offered first to the Jews—the woman admitted she had no claim. Yet she believed that His mercy was so abundant that even the crumbs under the table would be enough to save her daughter (v. 28).
This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus did not come only for those who look qualified. He came to tear down the barriers we humans build up. Whether “clean or unclean,” “Jew or Gentile,” “worthy or unworthy,” all these distinctions are overturned in Christ’s salvation.
The truth is, every one of us is under the table by nature. None of us deserve a seat at the feast. Our biggest problem is not our background, but our sinful hearts. Yet the gospel declares that Jesus offers salvation to those who admit they are unworthy and put their trust in Him.
We often fall into two traps: either thinking we are spiritual enough to draw near to God, or feeling too defiled to ever be accepted. But the gospel reminds us: the only qualification to come to Jesus is to admit we have none, and to rely on Him.
This passage also challenges us: Do we use our own standards to label others as “unclean” or “unworthy”? Maybe it’s their background, their habits, their appearance, or their past. But Jesus looks not at these things—He looks for humility and faith in Him.
Reflection:
Are there barriers in my life that make me feel unworthy to come before God? Or have I placed others under the table, forgetting that Christ’s salvation is also for them?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your mercy. I had no right to come, yet by Your grace I have been brought to Your table. Forgive me for the times I trust in my own righteousness, or hide from You in shame. Help me remember that Your salvation is not because I am worthy, but because You love. Teach me to see others through Your eyes—not to judge, but to share Your mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Click to read
In the first half of Mark 7, Jesus was still in Galilee, debating with the Pharisees and scribes about what is “clean” and “unclean” (7:1–23). They thought they knew the law well and kept religious traditions, but their hearts were hardened. They replaced the word of God with human teachings and drifted far from the heart of God.
In verse 24, Jesus left that place and went to Tyre, a Gentile city. In the eyes of the Jews, Tyre was an unclean place—outside the reach of God’s favor. Yet it was there, in a land considered far from holiness, that Jesus received a completely different response. A Syrophoenician woman, as soon as she heard about Him, came and fell down at His feet (v. 25).
From a Jewish perspective, this woman had two problems. First, she was a Gentile. Second, she was a woman. Both factors made her “unclean” in the religious culture of that time. In other words, she had no right to come near to God, much less to ask Him for mercy.
But she did not argue about her status. She didn’t protest, “Why are Jews better than us?” Instead, she came because she had heard the reports about Jesus (v. 25). She believed this Jewish teacher was not only a miracle worker but also the merciful Lord who could even save outsiders.
Although Jesus said that the children’s bread must first be given to the children—meaning that the grace of the gospel was to be offered first to the Jews—the woman admitted she had no claim. Yet she believed that His mercy was so abundant that even the crumbs under the table would be enough to save her daughter (v. 28).
This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus did not come only for those who look qualified. He came to tear down the barriers we humans build up. Whether “clean or unclean,” “Jew or Gentile,” “worthy or unworthy,” all these distinctions are overturned in Christ’s salvation.
The truth is, every one of us is under the table by nature. None of us deserve a seat at the feast. Our biggest problem is not our background, but our sinful hearts. Yet the gospel declares that Jesus offers salvation to those who admit they are unworthy and put their trust in Him.
We often fall into two traps: either thinking we are spiritual enough to draw near to God, or feeling too defiled to ever be accepted. But the gospel reminds us: the only qualification to come to Jesus is to admit we have none, and to rely on Him.
This passage also challenges us: Do we use our own standards to label others as “unclean” or “unworthy”? Maybe it’s their background, their habits, their appearance, or their past. But Jesus looks not at these things—He looks for humility and faith in Him.
Reflection:
Are there barriers in my life that make me feel unworthy to come before God? Or have I placed others under the table, forgetting that Christ’s salvation is also for them?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your mercy. I had no right to come, yet by Your grace I have been brought to Your table. Forgive me for the times I trust in my own righteousness, or hide from You in shame. Help me remember that Your salvation is not because I am worthy, but because You love. Teach me to see others through Your eyes—not to judge, but to share Your mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.