How do you feel if someone calls you a dog?

What did Jesus really mean?

How is this implied racial prejudice Scriptural?

How can the story help us follow God’s calling?

It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs

From Controversy & Ministry

◦Cities unrepentant.

◦John the Baptist beheaded.

◦Pursued by crowds.

◦Attacked by Pharisees & teachers.

For Refreshment & Renewal

Jesus WithdrewJesus Withdrew

Racism? Xenophobia?

Jesus’ ministry limited to Israel.

“…gospel…for the salvation of everyone…first

for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Rom 1:16).

To fulfill the prophetic promise in Scripture.

A salvation-historical privilege for Israel.

Jesus is the Christ – the Messiah – of Israel.

I was sent only to the lost sheep of I was sent only to the lost sheep of IsraelIsrael

Priority of mission to Israel (cf. Mt 10:5-6).

The Gentiles’ time would come later.

Jesus knew His world mission:

◦many will come from the east and west…(Mt

8:11)

◦the kingdom…will be taken away from you and

given to a people…(Mt 21:43)

◦house of prayer for all nations (Mk 11:17).

The Messianic Calling

“Dogs” – what kind of dogs?

How did the Canaanite woman take it?

Her response showed she:

◦understood Jesus’ Messianic calling

◦acknowledged Israel’s privileged

priority

◦accepted her own situation

The faith that pleased the Lord (v.28).The faith that pleased the Lord (v.28).

It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs

status as children of God

glory of Christ in you

new covenant of Jesus Christ

gift of the gospel of grace

worship in the real presence of God

promises being fulfilled

God’s Gifts (Rom 9:4b)God’s Gifts (Rom 9:4b)

Refresh and renew

Following God’s call

◦How? Desire – faithfulness

◦What? Mission - clarity

◦Where? Direction –

commitment

Do you desire to follow God’s Call?

God’s CallingGod’s Calling