Matthew 15

Did you watch the Matildas play last night? Sadly, they lost to England, but we still have the great memory of their win last Saturday night. There was a lot of excitement around that win!  A friend told me that he watched it at the MCG before (and into) the Melbourne v. Carlton game. His team against mine! So, I heard about both wins and celebrated two victories that night!
 
Despite my friend’s team losing, he was very enthusiastic to tell me of the way Carlton and Melbourne team members alike, together in the same MCG bars, shared the anticipation, excitement and enjoyed being united as Australians, going for our Matildas! It was like nothing he’s ever experienced before!
 
This unified bond between humans who barrack for different teams reminded me of the ways God delights in unity. Although He chose a special people for Himself to bring about His plan of salvation for the whole world through His son Jesus Christ (an Israelite/Jew), we know He always wanted all people to be united together with/in Him.
 
Regardless, the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day weren’t really interested in uniting all people under God. They thought the Samaritans, Canaanites, women, and demon-possessed people each had their place in society and were in no place to have relationship with God. Jesus came to break down those barriers/divides and unite anyone who would come to God through him, yet, he still very much lived within the cultural norms of His day.
 
This Sunday as we look at Jesus’ interaction with the Canaanite woman as recorded in Matthew 15:21-28, we may be surprised at some of the things Jesus says, or doesn’t say. But that is one of my most favourite things about Jesus. He doesn’t always do what people expect! While living on earth, Jesus was radical. And while he offended many, he brought healing, peace, unity, etc. to those who would humble themselves and receive God’s good gifts from him.
 
At the end of the day, whoever won, lost, was healed, or wasn’t, Christ would have us all come to saving faith and be united in Him. To this end, let’s ask ourselves: Do we need to put any prejudice aside? How does God want to overcome barriers in our day? Do we need to increase our faith to make this happen?
 
Blessings on your week.
 
Rev. Tanya​

READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY:
Romans 11: 13-36; Matthew 15: 21-28