The books of both Matthew and Mark tell of a woman, a non-Israelite, with a sick daughter. She asks Jesus to cure the child. Jesus ignores her and his disciples urge him to send her away, but she persists. Finally, Jesus chides the woman, saying, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” In other words, miracles are for my people, my neighbors, my children—not for dogs who worship other gods. It is not until after she has professed her faith in him, until after she calls Jesus “master” and “Lord” for the third time, that he relents, noting, “Woman, great is your
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Jesus and the dogs
