“It is not right for me to take the children’s food and toss it to their dogs”—Matt. 15:26

Let’s check your tolerance quotient today by assuming the place of this desperate, gentile woman before Jesus for help on behalf of your demon-possessed daughter (Matthew 15:21-28).

You plead for mercy, but Jesus ignores you. Exasperated by your persistent cries and pleas, his friends ask him to get rid of you (23). He tells you He came for only His lost sheep of Israel (24).

You pretend you didn’t hear what He said. You came with a purpose, and you will not stop until you get what you want, so you press harder with your plea. Prostrating before Jesus, you cry out:

“Lord help me!”

You think this should do it. After all, you have worshipped the Lord.

“It isn’t right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” (26).

Right in your face! Your stomach squirms and you feel like throwing up. Did you hear right?

Now, be honest for once. How many insults could you take from Him? Your ego wants to burst, and the restraining wall of your tongue will soon give way?

Without missing a beat, this gentile woman said that even masters allow their dogs to eat the crumbs that fall beneath their table (27). What a woman! What was her strength?

Jesus says it was her unique faith (28). Only such unflinching faith in the Lordship of Jesus, and honor for His holiness, can turn the offense of the Gospel to His power for our healing and deliverance (Rm. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18).

Do you have such faith? What is your tolerance quotient for the word of God? How far will you go with the offense of God’s word to get to the heart of Jesus?