2024_09_30 Insight Post- Kim Feld
This week’s reading- Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30
To be honest, this week’s story has always made me a little uncomfortable. In our modern translation of this account between Jesus and a Gentile woman, it reads as though Jesus is short, dismissive even. That doesn’t align with my view of Jesus and His heart towards us. After praying that God would show me some things in the story and doing more research, I stumbled on the idea of priorities. Jesus clearly stated to this woman and His disciples that the priority of His ministry at that time was to the Jews. Not that the Gentiles would never be part of the picture, but that He came to the Jews first. However, the woman’s faith was undeniable, and Jesus healed her daughter.
I often struggle with priorities. EVERYTHING often feels like an “A” or “front burner” priority for me. I struggle with differentiating between good and best. Because of this, I can often overestimate my own ability to “do it all,” and end up stressed and exhausted. However, this story points to Jesus’ focus on and adherence to the priorities God had given Him. So, what does this look like for you and me?
I like to think that I can do it all, but the reality is that I have limitations. God has given me physical limits in terms of time and bodily stamina that, if I don’t pay attention, will eventually be detrimental. Scripture tells us there is a time and season for everything (see Ecclesiastes 3) and we do well by recognizing it.
Jesus was clear on the priorities He had been given and He lived them out by staying closely connected with His Father. Jesus modeled this close connection to God by finding time to be alone with Him. That is crucial for us as well. My priorities seem clearer when I put time alone with God at the top of the list. He reminds me that He has given me limits for my good.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach