Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Going to the Dogs

Matthew 7:1-12
Sometimes one verse of scripture can shed light on a completely different verse or section of scripture. In the midst of our reading from Matthew today we hear Jesus say, “Do not give what is holy to dogs…” (Matthew 7:6a). I think one way to understand these words is as a warning not to take the faith lightly but to safeguard it from misunderstanding or misuse. Being judgmental toward others within the community of believers, for example, opens the gospel to contempt by those outside the faith and wastes the opportunity to demonstrate God’s love in Jesus Christ.

What, then, does this tell us about Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman later in the book of Matthew? There Jesus says, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs” (15:26). Assuming that the term “dogs” has the same meaning in each instance, Jesus is making a serious claim. He believes that what he has to offer as the Messiah is not intended for those from outside the boundaries of Judaism, that his focus must be on the house of Israel. That changes, of course, with the heartfelt affirmation of the woman, whose faith in Jesus’ ability to heal far exceeds that of many of Jesus’ own people.

So here is the point. The Christian faith should never be misused or taken lightly. But it IS to be shared freely with all who will hear it, regardless of who they may be. The gospel is potent stuff, with the power to change lives and alter perspectives, allowing us to see others the way God intends them to be seen.

Prayer: Lord, help us to hold our faith in reverence and to live the gospel everyday. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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