8.20.17 - "Crumbs & Dogs: The New Way of the New Day" (Matthew 15:10-28)

UMC Darlington

Matthew 15:10-28 First, the ultra-religious and biblical experts complain at Jesus because the disciples aren't following the tradition of the elders; they aren't washing their hands before they eat. So Jesus responds by showing how they use the traditions to overrule God's commandments. Then, Jesus calls the crowd close to explain that it's what comes out of the mouth that makes someone unclean or impure. Last, a story about a Canaanite (or Syrophoenician, if you read it in Mark) woman approaches Jesus only to be called a dog. What in the world is going on here? Let's consider some of the context from which this passage came and we'll quickly see how Jesus was working to shake people free from the political practices of their day. Jesus does what no one else would do. We are called into the same life. How are you living your life today? Are you living as if "one day" is already here?