What is the meaning of the story of Jesus and the Canaanite Woman?
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I'm sure that nearly every reader finds difficulty with the passage concerning the Canaanite woman and her plea for help. Commentators struggle with trying to explain the reactions and words of Jesus.
Alexander Jones may do as good a job as any in The Gospel According to St. Matthew. Jones suggests the words of Jesus are not as harsh as they read. Whatever Jesus says, the Canaanite woman is not put off. She seems to accept his response as an invitation to persist and try to top his remark.
Jones also asserts the Greek for dogs might well be translated as "pets" or "little dogs" (puppies). Thus Jesus is telling her the children of the family (Jews) come before the pets!
Jones sees this as a kind of small parable or allegory. Jesus insists that the priority of his mission is to the Jews. Yet Jesus responds to faith wherever he finds it. And in the Canaanite woman he finds great faith.
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Saturday, December 08, 2012
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