Mark 7

In this chapter, Jesus has another run-in with the religious people and also does healing for non-Jews.

The religious folks come to check out Jesus and note that his followers do not do the ritual washings prior to eating that they require. Jesus points out that the religious types make up their own rules that unnecessarily burden people while ignoring the laws (10 Commandments) laid down by God. Jesus is not so much worried about continual washing as he is worried about what comes out of people – what they say and do. He finds that harmful because it has to do with the heart of a person. How many times has church made a big deal of traditions while ignoring how people can hurt others with what they say and do? Jesus even says that God doesn't even pay attention to the worship of people who make up rules in order to ignore God's law. This story ends with yet another stinging explanation to Jesus' followers (who still don't get it) of what he is talking about. Maybe Mark put these stories in because HIS community wasn't getting it.

Jesus is in Gentile (non-Jewish) territory, Tyre and Sidon are the location of miracles of the prophet Elijah. This was probably not unnoticed by people. Jesus seems to say to the woman, "I really have to stick with my own, Jews before I think about non-Jews."  She replies that even dogs get some crumbs. Ouch! Jesus changes his mind and heals her daughter. Who have you written off that deserves a second look?

 

Lastly, Jesus heals another Gentile. Notice that he is trying more and more to avoid the crowds (which are hindering his ministry to people?) Notice also that the more Jesus tells people not to make such a big deal out of his healings, the more they go out and talk about them. Mark has two things that repeat in his Gospel. One is that people cannot help but talk about something life changing. Two, the most religious and closest to Jesus seem to be the hardest sells. Ordinary people "get it" first. Do you give credit to God for anything? So much so that you can't help but say it? Or do you have to be reminded or coerced? What God News do you have that you attribute to God's divine love of you?