Summary: In this biblical passage, a woman, named as a Syrophoenician, with a demon-possessed daughter persuades Jesus to heal the girl. As a result, Jesus’ ministry moves in new directions with a new urgency toward an increasingly broad “audience.”
I wrote this biblical commentary for those preparing to preach or teach on the passage. Read the commentary at Working Preacher.
Letter 49 — American Values Religious Voices
Summary: Numerous biblical stories describe apparent “outsiders” who have clear vision and insight. Because of those people, the supposed “insiders” gain a new, better, or enlarged perspective on the values and virtues they hold dear. Such stories can also remind a nation that an insular approach to the wider world and cultures is liable to degrade our most cherished values.
Read the full document, which is part of the American Values Religious Voices letter-writing project, here.
Bible commentary: general audience
Amos Ethiopian eunuch generosity hospitality humility outsiders Rahab Rhoda syrophoenician woman