The Gospel Of Mark (Part 22)

Date: 19 October 2025

Speaker: Justus Swart

In Mark 7:24–30, Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman highlights the power of humble, persistent faith. After confronting the Pharisees, Jesus withdraws to the pagan region of Tyre, where a desperate Gentile mother begs Him to heal her daughter. At first, His silence and challenging words seem dismissive, but they serve to test and reveal the strength of her faith. Undeterred, she responds with humility and insight, recognizing Jesus’ authority—and her persistence moves Him to grant her request, freeing her daughter from demonic oppression.

This exchange reveals that Jesus’ mission, though first directed to Israel, was always meant to reach all nations. The woman’s understanding of this truth contrasts sharply with the blindness of the religious leaders and even the disciples. Her faith anticipates the gospel’s expansion to the Gentiles and reminds us that God’s grace knows no boundaries. When we approach Jesus in humility, trusting not in our worth but in His mercy, we too find that even the smallest crumb of His grace is enough to transform our lives.