Jesus Ministers to Gentiles

Jesus has been ministering to the Jews since emerging on the scene. Today He begins a portion of ministry to the gentiles, including feeding 4,000 of them.

We have come to the story of a mother who refused to give up when approaching Jesus. Her daughter is tormented by a demon and she knows that Jesus can free her. But He only ministers to the Jews. Not today. Through persistence, Jesus grants her request.

She isn’t the only gentile to receive from Jesus. After their encounter, He sets off to the Decapolis and ministers to a LARGE group of gentiles. He even feeds them, as He did earlier with a large group of the Jews.

I want to look at a couple of people in the stories. One of them is not recorded in the bible, but it is something I can see happening. Let’s rejoin our story as Jesus and His disciples leave the home of James and John’s parents and journey towards Tyre and Sidon.

Holy Spirit, thank You for letting me peek into the stories of Jesus’ life. I believe that You gave me part of this story a long time ago. Help me to bring the stories to life and deepen other’s love for Your stories.

♥ ♦ ♥

Morning breaks and Jesus is nowhere to be found, again. His disciples are used to this by now, as Jesus often goes off alone in the mornings to spend time with His Abba. The disciples wait patiently until Simon arrives. He had gone home to be with his wife for the night. When he arrives, he sees everyone sitting around.

“Why are you all just sitting there? We need to prepare for the Journey Jesus told us about last night.”

“Always on duty” Andrew chides Simon.

“Somebody has to keep you lazy louts in line” Simon says with a scowl. A moment later a smile appears that gives his true feelings away.

The disciples get up and begin repacking their provisions. This will be a long journey, so they need waterskins and food. Their cloaks will be their blankets. After everyone is packed, Jesus appears at the garden gate.

“I see you got everyone going again, Simon.”

“How did You know…” Simon shakes his head. “Never mind. Yes, I did.”

“Then let’s be on our way” Jesus says as He claps His hands.

They bid farewell to their hosts and begin walking out of the city. Only a few people follow Jesus, as He has already healed everyone who came to Him. The group of Pharisees spy Jesus on the move and they decide to follow. Jesus pays no attention to them.

After a day’s travel, the Pharisees get tired and drop off Jesus’ trail.

“I thought they would never leave” John comments.

“They lose interest too easily” Jesus replies. “But I’m grateful for their absence as well.”

The rest of the journey to Tyre was more relaxed. No one was looking over their shoulders, trying to find fault. Jesus and His disciples joke with one another and share stories of events that happened when they were apart.

As the group nears their destination, they are spotted by members of the community. “Jesus is coming!” goes up all around.

Simon grumbles. “I thought we were going to avoid ‘fanfare’.”

“Even here, they have heard of Jesus. Of course there would be those anxious to see Him. They have needs too” offers Matthew.

“I didn’t come here to call a crowd together. I want to slip in quietly and get to our host’s home” Jesus says.

As they enter the city, it is strange to see that there is no great crowd to greet them. “Maybe we can slip in unnoticed” Matthew says.

When the cry went up in the city, many ignored the announcement. Yes, they had heard of Jesus’ works, but He hadn’t done anything they had seen. They were skeptical. One woman was not. She is desperate. Her name is Eugena.

Eugena’s daughter is being tormented by an evil spirit. It convulses her and throws her about. It saps her strength and leaves her spent. It has even robbed her of her voice. Eugena can’t bear it any longer. She had heard of Jesus freeing others from demons, but was unable to go to where He was and seek His help. Besides all that, He only seemed to do His works for His own people; the Jews. She won’t let this opportunity go by. Jesus is HERE! He HAS to heal her daughter.

From behind them, Jesus and His disciples hear a woman calling out. “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon” (Mark 7:22).

The closer she gets the louder she cries. Simon looks back at her with a frown. He turns back to Jesus. “Send her away, for she is crying out after us” (Mark 7:23).

Jesus shakes His head. “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mark 7:24) Jesus says to Simon. “Leave her alone.”

“But Master, she is ruining our quiet entrance.”

“I will not acknowledge her, but neither will I chase her away.”

The group arrives at the home of a distant relative of Matthew. Matthew is surprised that Jesus has led them here.

“Master, why are we here?”

“Your cousin is going to be our host for a time.”

“Does he know this?”

“He will once you announce us” Jesus says with a smile.

“Of course!” Matthew hurries to the door and knocks. When his cousin opens the door Matthew just smiles.

His cousin, Lucius is happy to see him. “Matthew! What a surprise! Come in, come in.”

“I brought friends” Matthew says as he turns and looks back at Jesus and his fellow disciples.

“You are all welcome! Please, come in.”

Eugena finally catches up to Jesus and His group as they are about to enter the house. She pushes her way through the group and falls at Jesus’ feet.

“Lord, help me” (Mark 7:25) she implores.

Jesus looks down at her as she kneels before Him, her face to the ground. “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” (Mark 7:26).

Eugena raises her torso to plead with Jesus. Hands clasp in front of her, she says; “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table” (Mark 7:27).

Jesus’ eyes light with compassion and pride at her persistence. “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire” (Mark 7:28).

Eugena’s face transforms from grief to joy in an instant. She jumps to her feet and hurries away. Jesus watches as she disappears into the distance. Once she is out of sight, He turns and enters the house with His disciples.

Eugena nearly runs all the way home. By the time she arrives, she is out of breath. She doesn’t stop though until she is inside her house and gazing down at her daughter who is sleeping peacefully on her bed. Eugena drops to her knees for the second time today. She strokes her daughter’s hair as tears of joy quietly fall from her eyes.

The daughter finally stirs, then opens her eyes. “Mama, is something wrong” she asks.

“Not a thing my precious one.” With that, Eugena helps her daughter up and they move into the kitchen together. Eugena prepares a simple meal and the two enjoy it together. The first of many quiet and peaceful days to come.

Lucius is a gracious host. He sets before Jesus and His disciples a generous meal. After eating, they talk long into the night. Lucius is amazed at the change in Matthew. He is gracious to his fellow disciples and does not seek control. These traits were absent in Matthew the last time he and Lucius were together.

“Matthew, you are a different man. Hanging around with Jesus has done you a world of good!”

“It is more than an outward change, but an inward one as well. And it reaches beyond this world” Jesus adds.

Matthew blushes. “I am most grateful to Jesus for choosing me and effecting that change.”

Sleep settles over the town of Tyre, for most of its citizens. Another woman across town is finding it impossible to sleep. Her name is Helen and she has a six-year-old daughter named Sarah. Sarah has been ill for some time. Helen has tried possible to restore her to health. This morning, the doctor told Helen it was just a matter of days before Sarah would pass from this life. Helen sits by Sarah’s bedside tonight, wrestling with what is to come.

“I can’t lose you little one. My life has no meaning or joy without you” she says to herself. She can’t say this out loud to Sarah, as it would put another burden on her frail shoulders. Sarah is a sweet child that takes it upon herself to ensure that everyone around her is happy; no matter the cost to herself.

Sarah drifts off into a quiet sleep as morning breaks. Helen has to begin the tasks of the day. Everything falls to her to manage alone for her household. Helen has no husband and was abandoned by her father when she was found to be with child. For six long years, she has been an outcast in her own town. She takes in washing to make money to support herself and her daughter. Today is wash day. She has to go and draw water from the well.

As Helen is filling her jars, she sees Eugena making her way to the well. Accompanying her is a girl of about twelve. Helen looks closer and recognizes the girl as Eugena’s daughter.

“How can this be” wonders Helen. She knows that Eugena’s daughter has been tormented by an evil spirit for years. She herself has seen some of the fits it puts her through. But this girl looks happy and free of any cares.

It wouldn’t be proper for Helen to approach Eugena, but she has to know how this miracle came about. Helen steps back from the well as Eugena approaches. Another woman joins Eugena at the well and the two begin talking. Their discussion quickly turns to the subject of Eugena’s daughter.

“I heard that Jesus of Nazareth was in town. I KNEW if I could just see Him, that He would heal my daughter.”

“I thought He only helped the Jews.”

“He tried to say as much, but he listened to my plea. And you can see the result yourself” Eugena says as she smiles over at her daughter.

Helen can’t keep quiet any longer. Society be damned, she approaches the women. “Where is this Jesus now” she asks with hungry eyes.

Eugena looks up at the voice and almost snatches her water and leaves, but something stops her. Helen’s desperate eyes remind her of her own only a day before. “He was staying at the home of Lucius, but He may have already left.”

Helen bows politely and goes back to her jars. She has to get these home before she can do anything else. Then she can go in search of Jesus.

As quickly as possible Helen loads her jars onto the yoke for her shoulders. Quickly, but carefully, she makes her way back to her home. Before setting out in search of Jesus, she checks on Sarah. Sarah is struggling to breathe.

“Mama is here little one. You will be alright.”

Helen sooths Sarah’s distress with a salve that loosens the binding in her chest. It only works for a short time though. It used to work for hours, but Sarah has become immune to its effects.

When Sarah finally settles, Helen slips out of the house again. She hates leaving Sarah unattended, but she HAS to find Jesus. Perhaps He will heal her daughter as well.

Sarah easily finds the home of Lucius. It isn’t proper for her to even be here, but she doesn’t care anymore. Sarah pounds on the door until Lucius answers it. His face registers shock to see an unfamiliar woman standing on his doorstep.

“Please, kind sir. Tell me if Jesus of Nazareth is staying with you” she pleads.

“He left early this morning and took His disciples with Him.”

Sarah’s shoulders fall and her face crumbles. She begins to turn away. Lucius’ heart goes out to her.

“He said He would be teaching in the Decapolis late this week.”

Sarah’s head snaps up. “Thank you! I will just have to go and see Him there.”

Sarah hurries home, her chores forgotten. She has a journey to prepare for.

 

Helen hurriedly packs food and water for the journey for herself and Sarah. She sews the last of her meager savings into the hem of her garment to protect it from thieves. Then she goes into Sarah’s room to gather her for the journey.

This is not going to be an easy journey. Sarah is too weak to walk so Helen has to carry her, along with her provisions. First Helen ties the water skins around her waist and the food she wrapped in a linen towel and ties it across her chest. Finally, Helen wraps Sarah in her shawl and ties her onto her back. Sarah has lost so much weight in the last few weeks that carrying her this way is not too difficult. For support and stability while walking Helen removes the bristles from her broom and uses it as a walking stick.

Helen set off as soon as her supplies and her daughter are in place. She has to hurry! In the back of Helen’s mind, a voice telling her she is crazy for doing this. “What if Jesus isn’t there when I get there?” “What if Sarah dies on the way?” “What if Jesus can’t help her?” “What if He won’t help her?” All these thought run through her mind over and over again, but Helen REFUSES to listen give into them.

Her determination shows in how she answers these questions. “If He’s not there, then I will look for where He has gone to next.” “Jesus is said to be able to raise the dead.” “Sarah is such a sweet child. There is NO WAY Jesus would refuse to help her.” “If He is half as good as they say He is, He can and will heal her.”

Helen walks as far as she can each day but it is slow going because of carrying Sarah. Helen has to stop frequently to encourage Sarah to drink and eat something. She has to keep Sarah alive! Helen reminds herself that she has to eat and drink on this journey too. “If something happens to me, Sarah will surely die.”

Occasionally Helen meets other travelers going her way and they offer her support as best as they can. Some carry Sarah for a bit, some offer to share their food and water, and some just keep her company for a while. Because of the slow pace Helen is setting, her companions usually don’t stay long.

Helen has been traveling for a little more than a week now. Somehow Sarah is still alive. Helen sends prayers of thanks giving heavenward, to whatever god may be listening, every time she stops to offer Sarah food and water and finds her still breathing. Helen gently whispers to Sarah as she strokes her hair, “Just a little further baby. We are almost there. Please hold on a little longer.” It takes everything in Helen to keep walking. She is exhausted. But for Sarah’s sake, she keeps going.

Today Helen shifts Sarah to her chest, as Sarah’s breathing is becoming shallower. Helen wants her in her arms so she can comfort her and encourage her to hang on a little longer. “I see a big group of people up ahead baby. I think we are almost there.” Four more hours pass before Helen reaches the outer edge of the crowd.

Helen approaches a man and woman standing near the edge. “Excuse me but is this where Jesus is teaching?”

The man speaks over his shoulder without turning around “Yes it is.” Then the woman turns to look at Helen, who is dusty from head to toe and looks so weary that she might fall down at any moment. Then her eyes land on Sarah. She is so frail and still. The woman’s hand nearly leaps to her mouth in fear! “Oh my dear! You look worn out. Please, what can I do to help you?” On hearing his wife’s comment, the man turns around to see who she is talking to. He too is taken back by Helen and Sarah’s appearance. He quickly offers to hold Sarah for Helen.

With tears gently falling and furrowing through the dust on Helen’s face, she hugs Sarah tighter to her breast. “Thank you, but I just need to get to Jesus. My daughter doesn’t have much more time. I have to get her to Him. He is the only one who can help her.” Galvanized by Helen’s tears, the man begins to push his way through the crowd, pulling Helen along behind. His wife falls in behind Helen and starts calling out, “Make Room! Make Room!”

Progress is slow as there are so many here who want to see Jesus too, but when anyone turns and sees Helen as she struggles to press forward with Sarah, they quickly step to the side. Our small band continues to push through this great sea of humanity until they reach and even tighter group of people. Without even being told, they know Jesus is at the center of this group.

The whole group is full of people seeking healing, just like Helen. They are desperate to reach Jesus. Helen stops. “What do I do now? I can’t take Sarah into that mob! She will be crushed to death.” Tears stream down Helen’s face and her knees give way under her. To have come all this way and be denied access to Jesus when He is so close. Helen brushes her tears away from Sarah’s face and bends to kiss her one last time. “You are such a brave little girl. I’m sorry I failed you. It’s alright, you can sleep now. Mama loves you.” Helen closes her eyes and rests her forehead against Sarah’s.

As Helen is saying her final good bye to Sarah, the crowd in front of her parts. Jesus steps through the throng of people and kneels in front of Helen. He gently reaches out and touches Sarah on her back. Sarah takes a deep breath, and then begins to breathe more easily. Helen feels Sarah’s inhale and opens her eyes. She instantly notices the blueness that had taken hold of Sarah’s face is gone! A smile splits Helen’s face as she watches her daughter breathe. After a few more breaths, Helen looks up and sees a man kneeling in front of her. His entire face radiates with love. Without even asking she knows who He is. “Thank You Jesus.” There is nothing more she can say as she now dissolves into weeping. This time though, she is weeping with JOY!

Just as quickly as Jesus met her need, He turns back to meet the needs of others too. The wife who helped Helen reach the center of the crowd envelop Helen in her arms. The husband and wife watched as Jesus stepped through the crowd to meet the cry Helen’s heart. They held their breath as Sara took her first full breath.

A few hours later Helen and Sarah sit on a rock listening to Jesus. He is teaching from the side of a mountain. His words touch Helen’s heart like nothing ever before. He speaks of the God of Israel and His love for the people; including her. He also speaks of forgiveness from sin. And restoration beyond the forgiveness. Helen listens intently, while still keeping a watchful eye on Sarah.

“What might my life be with such forgiveness” wonders Helen.

The husband and wife remain close by Helen and Sarah. They have fallen in love with this mother; driven to the end of herself, in hopes of saving her little girl. Now a mother and daughter so full of joy that it infects everyone around them.

Two days go by since Helen and Sarah joined the crowd. She knows that this crowd was here a day before she arrived, and NONE have left. Nothing could pry her away from Jesus now. But she needs to find something for Sarah to eat. They used up the last of their provisions earlier today. Sarah has to keep her strength up so she doesn’t get sick again.

Jesus knows this too, and it concerns the whole crowd, not just Helen and Sarah. As the day moves into the early evening, Jesus motions for His disciples to join Him.

“I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way” (Mark 7:32).

Judas pulls out the money bag and shakes it. There is very little contained in it. He looks down and puts it back on his waist. Simon speaks up.

“Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” (Mark 7:33).

Jesus looks at Simon with a straight face. “How many loaves do you have?” (Mark 7:34a).

Simon answers; “Seven, and a few small fish” (Mark 7:34b).

“Give them to Me and have the people sit down in groups.”

Excitement begins to build in the disciples as they remember another time Jesus did so much with so little. They begin organizing the people right away. Helen and Sarah stay with the man and his wife. They all sit, waiting to see what Jesus is going to do.

Once everyone is settled, the disciples return to Jesus. He raises the loaves above His head.

“Bless this bread Abba. Make it meet the needs of all those who are gathered here. Let it be life to their bones.”

Jesus begins breaking off chunks of bread and filling the disciples’ cloaks, once again. Once the bread is distributed, He does the same with the fish. “Thank You Lord Go of all creation for providing this fish for us. They have given their lives that we might have life.”

Jesus distributes the fish among the disciples. All the disciples are ready and excited to watch this miracle unfold before them again! They move out into the crowd. James, the son of Alpheus is the one to present Helen and her group with food. Helen is hesitant and takes only enough for Sarah at first.

James urges her to take more. “Please take all that you need. I have personally witnessed Jesus feeding a much larger group with five loaves and two fish. There is enough for everyone; I promise.”

Helen smiles and takes more. Everyone else in her group also takes of what James offers. And it doesn’t decrease his supply in the least. Their mouths hang open as they watch the food level remain constant.

After the food is distributed, Jesus and His disciples also partake. This time, there is no need to offer a second or third round of food. The disciples’ encouragement was enough to convince everyone to take all that they needed.

When everyone is finished eating, Jesus sends the disciples back into the crowd to gather the left overs. Jesus brings out some baskets when the disciples return. They each empty their cloaks into the baskets. SEVEN baskets are filled to the top with the left overs. Four thousand men ate with Jesus on the edge of the Sea of Galilee, along with women and children of an untold number.

Dusk is falling when Jesus sends the crowd on their way. “I have enjoyed our time together, but it is time to return to your lives. And time I got back to spreading the good news of God’s love.”

The crowd breaks up slowly. Helen and Sarah have a LONG way to go before they are home. The man and his wife offer mother and daughter a place to stay for the night.

Once the crowd leaves, Jesus and His disciples get into a boat. They set out for the region of Magadan.

Helen and Sarah are encouraged to stay on even longer.

“Please! We love having you and little Sarah here. We were never blessed with children of our own. And you have become like a daughter to me” pleads the wife.

Helen would love to accept, but she has to tell them the truth of her life first. It takes all her courage to start.

“There is something I have to tell you first. I will understand if you want us to leave after that.”

“Dear child. There is NOTHING you could tell us that would make us turn away from you.”

Helen swallows. “I had Sarah out of wedlock.”

The husband and wife don’t recoil. They lean in for more. “What of the father? Does he help you?”

“No. He abandoned me as soon as he learned I was with child. And my parents threw me out. It has been Sarah and me alone since the beginning.”

The wife reaches over and covers Helen’s hand. “You are not alone anymore. We will be your family, if you will have us.”

Helen breaks down in tears. It is the first time in her life she has felt loved. The wife envelops her in a hug. Sarah joins in, as does the husband. Their lives are intertwined now through love. First, the miracle of life for Sarah and now the miracle of love for them all.

(to be continued)

Jesus demonstrated love for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. He taught and healed them too. God’s love isn’t based on who you are, but on your willingness to accept His unconditional love. Only those who do can become His true sons and daughters.

The couple in my story demonstrated God’s kind of love. Helen’s past didn’t matter. What was important was their future together. God wants a future with each of us. He won’t force it on anyone, but He holds His arms wide to welcome ANY who will accept Him and His Son. Jesus made it all possible through His blood.

Thank You Father God for Your AMAZING love! My life has NO meaning or purpose without You. Thank You for looking beyond my past and seeing my future. A future that is filled with promise because YOU created it. Thank You for wrapping me in Your arms.