Word of the Day: Accept

Read: Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Discuss:
1. Why was this woman looked down on? Why did she compare herself to a dog?
2. Are there groups in school or in your life that would be considered “dogs”? What makes the dogs? How are they usually treated?
3. Do you think others think of you as a “dog” when that’s how you see them?
4. What is meant by “it is not right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs”?
5. What are some ways we can show compassion to all groups of people?

Read: Ephesians 2:13-14
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.

Discuss:
1. What are the walls that divide people, groups, friendships, etc.?
2. How can we break down the dividing walls that hurt relationships?

Prayer:
Dear God, Help us to be open to the beauty of God’s message for all people. Give us courage to make an effort not to shut out those who are different from us. Amen.