Status Does not Matter

Sunday, February 22nd, 2026

7:53 am

Good morning! Today I am in Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30. Jesus and His disciples leave Galilee and head north toward Tyre and Sidon. He didn't want anyone to know where He was staying, but He couldn't keep it a secret. A woman found Him right away and began pleading with Jesus to have mercy on her, her daughter was possessed by a demon that severely tormented her. Jesus didn't respond to her at first, and the disciples told Jesus to send her away because she was bothering them. But Jesus turned to her and told her that He was sent to help God's lost sheep, the people of Israel. But she kept worshiping Him and begging Him to help her. Jesus responds this time saying that it isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs. But the woman replied, "that is true, Lord, but even the dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters table." Jesus told her, "Good answer. Your faith is great. Your request is granted." Her daughter was instantly healed. When the woman got home she found her daughter lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.

Praise the Lord! The woman paid no attention to the disciples responses to her. She recognized Jesus and knew He could help her, so she persistently begged for Jesus' help. Jesus' words may seem harsh to us, but back in these times the Jews referred to Gentiles as dogs, considering these pagan people no more likely than dogs to receive God's blessing. Jesus was not degrading the woman by using this term, she did not argue. She just needed God's blessing for her daughter. Her attitude was hopeful. She believed Jesus could provide.

Jesus wants to help us in our times of need as well. Like this woman, don't give up hope that Jesus can help you even though other people may look at you like you don't deserve it. Because of her status as a Gentile woman, the disciples looked down on her, but she did not care. She knew Jesus could help her daughter. Don't give up on Jesus. People's attitudes towards us should not deter us from seeking Jesus. He already knows us and He knows our hearts, and He wants to help us. And as followers of Jesus, we too must look past the exterior of people, past whatever prejudices we may have, and look at the person God has placed before us. Look at the person that is in need, and allow God to use us to help them. God does not care about anyone's background, history, or our social status. For He created everyone of us. He already knows you and knows what you need, and He can help you.