What is the meaning of Mark 7:28? "Yes, Lord," • The woman immediately confesses Jesus’ authority, calling Him “Lord,” the same title used by the disciples (Matthew 14:33). • Her agreement with Jesus’ prior statement (Mark 7:27: “First let the children eat all they want”) reflects true submission, echoing 1 Samuel 3:18, where Eli says, “He is the LORD; let Him do what is good in His sight.” • By acknowledging Christ’s sovereignty, she demonstrates the reverent posture urged in James 4:10—humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. "she replied," • Mark highlights her active response; faith is not silent (Romans 10:10). • Like the bleeding woman who spoke up after touching Jesus’ cloak (Mark 5:33), she vocalizes belief despite cultural barriers (Gentile, female, outsider). • Her persistence echoes Luke 18:1–5, where the widow keeps coming to the judge; Jesus commends such persevering faith. "even the dogs under the table" • She accepts Jesus’ metaphor of Israel as “children” and Gentiles as “dogs,” embracing her unworthiness rather than objecting (cf. Ephesians 2:12—“excluded from citizenship in Israel”). • Yet she locates herself “under the table,” within Jesus’ household, anticipating the gospel’s reach to the nations (Acts 10:34–35). • This humble self-placement mirrors the centurion’s “I am not worthy” (Matthew 8:8), a posture Jesus praises. "eat the children’s crumbs." • She believes that even the smallest overflow of Jesus’ power is sufficient, paralleling the mustard seed principle (Matthew 17:20). • Crumbs evoke the miraculous leftovers after the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:43); abundance for Israel means grace to spare for the world (Romans 11:17). • Her request is modest yet confident, illustrating Hebrews 11:6—“He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” summary Mark 7:28 showcases a Gentile woman who humbly acknowledges Jesus’ lordship, responds in persistent faith, accepts her position beneath Israel’s priority, and trusts that even the smallest measure of His mercy will answer her need. Her example affirms that humble, persevering faith in Christ secures His gracious response, foreshadowing the gospel’s open table where every believer, Jew or Gentile, is satisfied. |
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