Jesus Is For All People – September 2, 2020

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
Matthew 15:21-23

Jesus Is For All People

The Bible makes it abundantly clear that Jesus is for all people! Perhaps that’s why we see Jesus intentionally leaving the area of Galilee and withdrawing to an area populated heavily by people who did not have a lot of opportunities to hear about him. If there was a mission field, Jesus would enter it. If there were people in need of support, Jesus would seek them out.

The immediate comfort is this:

• No matter what your ethnicity, your background, your physical characteristics—Jesus is for you!
• No matter how much (or little) you know about the Bible—Jesus wants to have a meaningful relationship with you!
• No matter where you live or what vocation you have—Jesus loves you and wants to draw you ever closer to him!

Jesus’ disciples apparently did not get that memo.

We often learn from others what NOT to do. The disciples provide a prime example. How did they react to this woman in need? “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” Were they too busy or too tired? Did they think themselves too important to deal with ordinary people with ordinary problems?

I don’t know the answer, but I do know I don’t want to be heartless and distant when I deal with the people around me. I don’t want to be so self-absorbed with my own life that I miss opportunities to be kind and generous to others. In fact, maybe the Lord will place someone into my life today who just may need a helping hand or a listening ear. Maybe he’ll do the same for you.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for seeking me out, finding me, and giving me an opportunity to learn about your love. You were not too busy for me. Help me, Lord, to never be too busy or too distracted for those around me. Amen.