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A Ministry Shaping Moment

Based on Lesson 6

The following is an exerpt from "Acient Texts, Modern Voices," essays that offer a fresh perspective on lessons in the 2003--2004 Horizons Bible Study: The Face Is Familiar. To read this essayin its entirety see the November/December 2003 issue of Horizons

Snce Jesus had an unexpected encounter with a woman that proved to be a defining moment in his ministry. Later the evangelist Matthew told the story to the early Christians of his community in order to help them define their own ministries carried out in Jesus' name. The woman was a Canaanite with a demon-possessed daughter, and the story of her encounter with Jesus is one of the most extraordinary in the Gospels. It is one of the few in which a woman character is granted a significant voice---a very loud and public voice at that.

The story also presents a disturbing picture of Jesus, who rebuffs her request for healing with sharp insult---he calls her a dog. Make no mistake, to call someone a dog, then as now, is no compliment. However, by the end of their encounter, Jesus honors the woman and her faith, her unshakable confidence in him and her insight into the inclusive power, presence and mercy of God.

Frances Taylor Gench is professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, Virginia, and the author of the 2000­2001 Horizons Bible study, Women and the Word: Studies in the Gospel of John.

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