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Explanation for:
Matthew
15
:
26
Who answering, said: It is not good to take the bread of the children, and to cast it to the dogs.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The disciples approached Him, imploring Him to release her. The Lord intended to demonstrate through this woman the profound love exhibited by the Gentiles. He referred to the Gentiles as dogs and the Israelites as sons, yet despite this metaphor, the Gentiles, whom He symbolically labeled as dogs, displayed genuine love and purity. In contrast, the Israelites, symbolically called sons, revealed the rage reminiscent of dogs. ‘It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.’ The Lord uttered many dismissive words to the woman, aiming to unveil her faith. By labeling the Gentiles as dogs, He likened His blessings to bread."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Canaanite woman exemplifies the remarkable faith, endurance, and humility of the Church. Her faith is demonstrated in her unwavering belief in the possibility of healing for her daughter. Her endurance is reflected in her continued prayers, despite repeated rejections. Her humility is evident as she humbly positions herself not just as a dog, but as a mere puppy. The term \\"dogs\\" is applied to the Gentiles due to their idolatry; consumed by violence and death, they fall into madness. It is noteworthy that the Canaanite woman consistently addresses Him first as Son of David, then as Lord, and ultimately bows before Him in reverence as God."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Do not be astonished that I have referred to the Jews as unfortunate. They are indeed in a state of misery, having intentionally spurned and abandoned numerous blessings that have been bestowed upon them from above. The radiant dawn of righteousness has illuminated their path; however, they have turned away from its brightness and remain engulfed in darkness. In contrast, we who were previously enveloped in gloom have accepted the light and been liberated from the shadows of erroneous beliefs. They were once part of the sacred lineage but have been severed from it, while we, who were not of the vine, have produced the fruits of holiness. They have read the scriptures since their youth and yet crucified the very One foretold by the prophets, while we, having not heard those divine revelations, have come to worship Him of whom they spoke. Hence, they are truly unfortunate, for while others have embraced and received the blessings intended for them, the Jews have rejected these gifts. Those who were invited to sonship have degraded themselves to the status of dogs, while we, who once were like dogs, have, through God's grace, shed our former ignorance and risen to the dignity of being called children of God. How is this transformation evident? “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs,” as Christ remarked to the Canaanite woman, identifying the Jews as children and the Gentiles as dogs. But observe how the roles have reversed: those who were once considered children have become dogs, while we have been elevated to the status of children. Paul warns us, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation. For we are the true circumcision” (Philippians 3:2-3). Do you see how those who were children have become like dogs? Would you like to understand how we, who were once dogs, have now become children? “But to all who received Him,” the evangelist states, “He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).\\n\\nObserve once more the profound wisdom of the Lord and the remarkable way in which He orchestrates all events. Even now, He does not relent in response to the woman’s plea but instead gives a reply that is even more pointed and stern. He understood the steadfastness of the woman’s spirit and desired that she not receive His favor secretly, but rather that the disciples might grasp the significance behind His initial reluctance and that others would recognize the immense power of persistent prayer and the great virtue of that woman. Therefore, the Savior states, “It is not good to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs.”\\n\\nYet, even after this, He did not yield to her request, delivering an even more severe response by saying, “It is not good to take the children's bread and cast it to the dogs.”"},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He stated, ‘It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs’ (Matthew 15:26). In this context, the Gentiles are metaphorically referred to as dogs, while the Canaanite woman discovers her salvation through her unwavering faith. There is something profound within her that leads her to mention the crumbs that fall from the table and are consumed by the dogs. The harsh connotation of dogs is softened by the use of a diminutive term."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The more the woman persisted in her plea, the more Christ declined her request. (Mark 7:27) records His response to her, saying, \\"Let the children be fed first.\\" Throughout His ministry, He consistently demonstrated His proximity to the Jewish people and His profound love, honor, and concern for them. Referring to them as children highlights their special status as His beloved. In contrast, He referred to the Gentiles as dogs, indicating their spiritual impurity and transgressions. The term \\"bread\\" signifies healing, encompassing not just physical restoration but also mental wholeness. Observe the wisdom of the woman: moved by Christ's words, she skillfully constructs a powerful argument in her favor."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"When Christ referred to her as a dog, it was a reflection of the Gentiles' impure lives, which were consumed by idolatry, while He identified the Jews as His children."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"He refers to the Gentiles as dogs due to their impurity and idol worship, while He designates the Jews as children because of their reverence for God and adherence to the law. He uses the term bread to signify the miracle of grace. He tells her, you are seeking blessings, yet it is not right to take what is meant for those who have faith in God and undermine them in front of those who do not believe. Although these words carry an insulting tone, Christ's intention was not to offend her, but rather to highlight her faith and goodwill. He never told the centurion directly, \\"I have come to heal him,\\" but showcased his faith, honor, and humility through His response: \\"Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word, and my servant shall be healed\\" (Mt. 8:7-8). Likewise, the woman with the issue of blood demonstrated her faith by declaring, \\"I perceive that virtue is gone out of me\\" (Lk. 8:46). What reply did the Canaanite woman give in response to this?"},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord observed her heart and recognized that she was destined to endure a significant trial. He rejoiced in His spirit because her example would teach His disciples the essence of true faith. Then, breaking the silence, He spoke to her with a response that was more disheartening than the silence itself: HE SAID IN REPLY: It is not right to take the children’s bread and cast it to the dogs. He no longer references the Father or says, ‘I am sent only...’; He firmly rejects her. He refers to the Jews as children rather than sheep and labels her a dog. It is rare for someone to maintain perseverance in the face of such a refusal; few would not depart in frustration or despair from such an apparently unyielding Healer. However, this Gentile woman was different. With unwavering faith, she sensed that the Lord was merely testing her conviction. Hearing the tone in which He spoke, she perceived the gentle encouragement of Divine love. She cleverly responded to the Lord using His own words, finding her defense in His very expressions."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"It is inappropriate to take the bread: The Jewish people were regarded as the children of God (Rom. 9:4), having been chosen from all nations and embraced by Him. Acknowledging their status as God's children, the Jews often looked down on Gentiles, referring to them disparagingly as dogs or unclean beasts, similar to how some Muslims now regard Christians. The woman in this instance was a Gentile, and when the Lord spoke to her, He reflected the prevailing Jewish mindset by stating it was not right to take the blessings meant for the children and give them to the dogs. However, the Lord did not intend to convey the same disdain for Gentiles that the Jews did; in fact, His perspective on their worthiness to enter His kingdom was significantly different. He saw them as more deserving and capable of receiving the message than the Jews themselves (Matthew 21:43, etc.). His words were meant merely to test the depth of the woman's faith."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the Canaanite woman carefully made her way towards Jesus, she ultimately reached Him and, as recorded by Mark, fell at His feet, beseeching Him to drive the demon from her daughter (Mark 7:25, 26). She humbled herself before Him, pleading, \\"Lord, help me.\\" Jesus, however, tested her faith by remaining silent, later responding to her unwavering request: \\"It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.\\" By affirming that the good news was to be shared first with the Jews—God’s chosen people—Christ emphasized that His mission was still ongoing. He said to the Canaanite woman, \\"Let the children be fed first\\" (Mark 7:27), indicating, \\"I must complete My work with those to whom I was sent; it is not right to take the bread meant for the children and give it to the dogs, just as it is not yet appropriate for Me to bring salvation to the Gentiles when the salvation of the Jews remains unfinished.\\" His teaching professes that all individuals stand equal before God, regardless of their background or ethnicity; everyone can approach Him, and by doing His will, as He has commanded, can gain entry into the kingdom of heaven. He made this statement to assess the faith of the Gentiles and to demonstrate to His Apostles the strength of such faith."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Such a response could have left her spirit in despair. However, had the Savior not anticipated that her heart was brimming with that uncommon hope capable of recognizing compassion and the fulfillment of her plea, even in what seemed like a denial, He would not have replied in this manner."}]}
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