02.28.2016 New Testament: Mark 7.27–30

To read the Bible in a year, read Mark 7.14–37 on February 28, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

Humans do not all react the same way to the same event. For example, look at the two men crucified with Jesus. Both of them railed against Him initially, but later one of them changed his heart and even defended Jesus.

Also in Mark 7, the writer shows a woman who had a daughter possessed by a demon, but rather than demand from Jesus that He cast the demon out, like some people who demand that the Lord do things, she showed great humility. As she asked for the casting out of the demon, pay attention to what Jesus said, and then how she played off of His words,

But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.” Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.” And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed (Mark 7.27–30).

The woman did not take offense at the words of Jesus, but her humility led her to give a brilliant reply. Do you want to know how to say the right thing? It first begins with the condition of your heart.

Questions:

• What is the condition of your heart?
• How do you approach the Lord?
• What do you expect of Him?
• Do you see Him as your personal servant, or do you serve Him?