FISH Sandwiches

A centurion and a Canaanite woman were commended by Jesus as people who had great faith.  These people were not Israelites – and Jesus was ‘sent only to the lost sheep of Israel’ (Mt 15:24, NIV) – yet they were able to obtain a measure of God’s favour.  We, on the other hand, have so much more.

In the story of the centurion (Mt 8:5-13), Jesus offers to go to the centurion’s home to heal his servant.  He replies, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.  But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Mt 8:8, NIV)  The centurion understood that Jesus had an absolute authority, that his words alone were equal to the task.  That would be enough – after all, he didn’t deserve to have someone so great come visit him, however briefly.

As for us, we live now on the other side of the cross, where the curtain separating people from God has been removed.   So Jesus says, “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Rev 3:20, NIV)  And the apostle Paul declares, “…God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col 1:27, NIV).  Jesus didn’t end up visiting the centurion’s home – he didn’t need to – but he’s made his permanent home in our hearts.  So how much more is his power able to work in our lives?  If his words alone are enough, what about his presence?

In the story of the Canaanite woman, who pleaded with Jesus to cast out the demon in her daughter (Mt 15:22-28, Mk 7:25-30), Jesus says, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” (Mt 15:26, NIV).  The woman replies, “…but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” (Mt 15:27, NIV).  She was after just the smallest crumb from Jesus, because even that would have had power enough to deliver.

But again, where we’re concerned, God doesn’t hold back.  No harsh reply for us; instead, he holds out the bread and says, “Take and eat; this is my body.” (Mt 26:26, NIV).  That’s something we remember whenever we take communion.  It’s not just the crumbs he offers – it’s all of him.

As the apostle Paul wrote:

“…I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor…” (2Cor 6:2, NIV)

– Joey