Bible Discussion Thread

In Matthew 15 verse 26, I don't know the right words to explain what "It is not meet to take the children's bread, and cast it to the dogs

A muslim was arguing with me at first that Jesus had called the woman a dog and I proved he didn't then he wanted me to explain what the above passage means, I am new in Christ so would like to ask someone with a little more knowledge to explain it to me so I can do Jesus justice.

Carolyn,

Jesus said it is not meet, that is, it is not right to take the children's bread and cast it to the dogs. Now what if your pastor called you a dog? You know, "Get out of my way you dog!"



But here is what Jesus was referring to:



You see, the Jews considered Gentiles to be dogs. To the Jews, Gentiles were considered "religious dogs." So Jesus is saying it is not right to take the children's food and give it to the dogs.



But look at the piety of this woman in Verse 27: Remember that this Gentile woman was coming to Jesus to help her daughter.



And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.



This is the piety of this woman, her humbleness, her submission. It is not the fact that she wouldn't take no for an answer. She needed help!



But the Lord was putting her in a situation so that it would show her motives. You know, how much do you want help for your daughter?

Actually Jesus was calling her a puppy (kynarion) under the table, not so much to demean her, but to develop an object lesson. The Jews, by reason of the covenant and their works of the law, considered themselves to be "in" with God and all others to be outsiders. Jesus upended this construct by demonstrating that the exercise of genuine faith in Jesus Christ is what actually pleases God.

Can anyone explain what this phrase means: "It is not meet to take the children's bread, and cast it to the dogs"

I'm sorry I didn't answer that question. Jesus' mission at that point was to preach the gospel to Israel, demonstrating his power through mighty works. The word "meet" is Old English meaning appropriate or suitable. So he is saying that granting her request would be taking his blessing, reserved at that time for the Jews (the children), his current mission field, and giving it away to outsiders (the dogs).