FROM CRUMBS TO A SEAT AT THE TABLE

Jesus was God but still human,

I’ll go to a quiet village, he thought.

He went to the Gentile city of Tyre,

Where He hoped He wouldn’t be sought.

His presence could not stay a secret;

A Greek woman fell at His feet.

Her little daughter was demon possessed,

At Christ’s table she had no seat.

She had heard stories about Jesus,

And believed everything she heard.

She knew He could heal her daughter;

Her faith was shown by her word.

Tho’ Jesus spoke to her in symbols;

She understood just what He said.

Let my people eat all they want;

For, I AM that bread.

Christ continued, “It isn’t right,

To take God’s children’s bread,

And toss it to the pets,

Though that privilege lay just ahead.

She said with certainty.

Even the puppies under the table,

Eat the children’s crumbs,

Though Gentiles were unable.

Then Jesus said to her,

You may go for such a reply.

The demon has left your daughter.

Such faith I cannot deny.

Jesus honored her when He said:

There’s no longer a demon to fear.

She found her daughter lying in bed;

And the inclusion of the Gentiles was near.

They no longer had to live off the crumbs,

Christ had welcomed them into the fold.

They could now dine at the Hebrews’ table,

As prophecy had long ago foretold.

Becky Wall