Today's Bible Study ...

Jesus' Ministry, at first, was centered on the Jewish people. John 1:11 tells us that "He came unto His Own." That means "His Own Nationality." The Israelites.

But, eventually, they rejected Him.

Then, Jesus turned and offered salvation to the masses, to all the world. To you and me!

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." John 1:11-13

The event we are studying happens before that "turn" occurs. Jesus, perhaps traveling more for "rest" purposes than anything else, still primarily desires the salvation of the Jews!

But a Gentile woman, whom we are about to meet, sort of gets "in the way" of that great plan!

She needs some things from Jesus!

Healing, deliverance, freedom, all for her daughter!

Today we study verse 26.

"The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter." Mark 7:26

One older Bible teacher characterizes her as "a Greek in religion, a Syrian in language, and a Phoenician in race."

The word "Greek" is spelled "hellenis." Anything yet today that is "Hellenistic" is understood to be Greek in nature.

She lived in that heathen land, subject to many gods and their resulting cruel and ungodly customs.

The word "Syrophenician" is obviously compound. "Syria" or "suros" means "exalted." Probably called this because of the mountain ranges to its north. "Phenicia" means "land of palm trees," according to the Bible dictionaries. In Greek it is "Phoinike." It then was a territory in the province of Syria, just about 30 miles long and only 3 miles wide.

It's a wonder this lady knew anything about Jesus, anything at all!

But she at least knew enough to try asking Him for help!

He certainly would not harm her!

All He could do was say, "No."

But He didn't even do that!

After a little faithful persuasion!

"The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter." Mark 7:26

The verb "besought" is "erotao," meaning "to ask, to request, to entreat," even "to beg." The root verb "ereteo" means "to speak, to say, to utter" a few words.

She is asking Jesus now!

The same Jesus Who said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

Bring your needs to Jesus!

She did.

The verb string "would cast forth" translates "ekballo." It means "to throw," the "ballo" part, "out," the preposition "ek," something! To throw out an unwanted person! To expel him! To reject, to exclude, to dispel!

The subjunctive mood of "ekballo" here shows that the woman strongly desires this outcome!

"Please," Jesus!

"The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter." Mark 7:26

But she desired nothing for herself!

It's for her daughter.

The noun "devil" is "daimonion," once meaning a "god or goddess," but now just a fallen angel. A demon. The verb "daio" means "to distribute fortunes," of all things! Yes, the devil is a distributor all right! But of bad things, ultimately! Including Hell and all its torment.

That last preposition, "out," as in "out of her daughter," is a standing-alone word placed in the Text for emphasis. "Ek" means "away from," far away from!

This lady wants that demon gone!

Now that the request has been given, how will Jesus respond?

That, fellow Bible students, will surprise us!

But in the end, the little girl gets well!

All because of Jesus!

Come back tomorrow for the next verse.

Until then, feel free to cast your cares on Jesus too!

Peter was right. "Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you." 1st Peter 5:7

Thank You, Lord!

                                                                         --- Dr. Mike Bagwell