Mathew 16 24 -26 He replied "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

[Brian_JP]

Hello,

A friend recently challenged my beliefs and I was reading the New Testament recently and the above verses from Mathew have left me deflated and confused.

Perhaps I’m jealous of Jewish people as being the ‘choosen’ people of God. But it raises many questions for me.

1. Why choose Israel and the Jews ?
2. In Mathew 16 verse 26, does Jesus liken gentiles (i.e. us) to dogs?
3. Did Jesus change his mission “to the lost sheep of Israel” i.e. Jewish people only to “go make disciples of all nations” at some time while on earth?

Thank you in anticipation for your reply.

God Bless from Belfast,

Brian JP

 

[JeanneH]

Hi Brian
First of all the quote is from Matthew 15:26-27

Hello,

A friend recently challenged my beliefs and I was reading the New Testament recently and the above verses from Mathew have left me deflated and confused.

Perhaps I’m jealous of Jewish people as being the ‘choosen’ people of God. But it raises many questions for me.

1. Why choose Israel and the Jews ?
2. In Mathew 16 verse 26, does Jesus liken gentiles (i.e. us) to dogs?
3. Did Jesus change his mission “to the lost sheep of Israel” i.e. Jewish people only to “go make disciples of all nations” at some time while on earth?

Thank you in anticipation for your reply.

God Bless from Belfast,

Brian JP

Answer to #1 who can know the mind of God.Maybe it was the forerunner of the Jews who first believed in one God?

this from the Haydock commentary

Ver. 26-27. And to cast it to the dogs; i.e. to Gentiles, sometimes so called by the Jews. (Witham) — The diminutive word Kunarios, or whelp, is used in both these verses in the Septuagint. Our Lord crosses the wishes of the Chanaanæan, not that he intended to reject her, but that he might bring to light the hidden and secret treasure of her virtue. Let us admire not only the greatness of her faith, but likewise the profoundness of her humility; for when our Saviour called the Jews children, so far from being envious of another’s praise, she readily answers, and gives them the title of lords; and when Christ likened her to a dog, she presently acknowledges the meanness of her condition. (St. Chrysostom, hom. liii.) He refused at first to listen to her petition, says the same saint, to instruct us with what faith, humility, and perseverance we ought to pray. To make his servants more sensible of his mercy, and more eager to obtain it, he often appears to pay no attention to their prayers, till he had exercised them in the virtues of humility and patience. Ask, and you shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened to you. (Haydock)

#3 I think Jesus mission never changed. He wanted to call ALL peoples to himself and started with the Jews but they didn’t seem to be interested so he invited the Gentiles also.

Brian, don’t be jealous. Just be happy in the knowledge that you said yes to Jesus and how happy that made Him.

Hope this helps
Jeanne

 

[Evan]

this from the Haydock commentary

Ver. 26-27. And to cast it to the dogs; i.e. to Gentiles, sometimes so called by the Jews. (Witham) — The diminutive word Kunarios, or whelp, is used in both these verses in the Septuagint.

My wife, who has been reading the bible in Greek lately, discussed this verse with me the other day. She translated the diminutive work as puppy rather than whelp. She translated it as

“And to cast it before the puppies.”

A friendly way of saying, you (and your culture) are young in the ways of God. You are not ready for food of adult Dogs. (Meat rather than Milk). So wait till you grow in faith. Her response is that even the puppies get to gobble up the crumbs and Jesus relents.

We are the new Israel, no longer Gentiles, but people of faith. Today this would apply more to a Hindu or Buddhist who is asking something of God, someone who has little knowledge or regard for what Jesus can and does offer.