Jesus Lets the Dogs Out

Text and image by Rick McVicar 

     The passage of Mark 7:24-30 is perhaps one of the most troubling passages about Jesus, as he appears to be so out of character. Jesus rebukes a foreign woman for asking for help with eradicating a demon from her daughter, even coming close to calling her a dog.            

      At the time, Jesus is hiding away from the crowds in a deserted house after traveling a good distance. In the previous passage, he had been engaged in a heated argument with religious leaders over washing and cleaning rituals. When a Syrophoenician woman comes knocking on Jesus’ door, he is trying to garner some rest, full of frustration.             

      Jesus lashes out, saying, “Let the children be fed first, because it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs” (v. 28, NRSV). In other words, the Jews are God’s children and foreigners are dogs.             

     What? Did Jesus really say that? But he is supposed to be so loving. What happened to loving your enemies?             

     Here Jesus is being as human as it gets. When people are in desperate need of sleep, they are often beside themselves, acting completely opposite of their true selves. This woman’s timing could not have been any worse.             

     The woman responds by saying that if she is a dog, she will gladly accept the food that the children throw on the floor. Jesus recognizes that he has met his match and heals her daughter of her demon.             

     In this story, we have elements of nature in the form of food and domesticated animals. In this case, the animals are put into a derogatory light. While we might like dogs, we are offended when we are called dogs. Much has been made about how Jesus talks to a foreigner in this instance. But what about how he speaks of dogs? Why is it unfair to feed dogs, especially when children often do not eat what is on their plates? 

     This seems to be a typical attitude not only towards dogs, but also towards nature. While we might like to enjoy nature, we are offended when we are put on the same level as nature. We seem to have this need to be counted above nature, especially if we embody a soul. But why is that? After all, other creatures, including dogs, may have souls as well. 

     As for Jesus, I like to think he returned to his old self after getting some rest. I even like to think he fed and watered his neighbor’s dog as well. 

     Here is hoping you have plenty of artful health for your journey.