Does Jesus Reward A Witty Comeback?

     While most parents do not like it when their children “talk back” with some sort of witty comeback, Jesus does not seem to feel the same. I know that as I was growing up there were several comebacks that I thought of but wouldn't dare respond out loud to my parents.  However, Jesus seems to appreciate someone thinking about and challenging the norm.

 

     Jesus found himself in many battle of the wits with the religious leaders of his day. There is a time to keep silent but there is also a time to speak up. We see plenty of examples of each throughout the gospels. There is one unique occasion in which a Greek woman engaged in such a battle with Jesus. The account is recorded in Mark 7:24-30. Look closely at this conversation and examine how each of them responds.

- “But Jesus said to her, 'Let the children be filled first, for it is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.'
- But she answered him, 'Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.'
- He said to her, 'For this saying, go your way. The demon has gone out of your daughter.'” - Mark 27-29 (WEB – emphasis added)

     Jesus knew exactly what his mission on earth was and he had every intention of fulfilling it. His mission was first to the Jewish people, then to the 'others'. But when one of these 'others' asks him for his help he rewarded her for her faith in God. See John 8:31-40 to find out what Jesus said about who is a Jew (descendant of Abraham). How should Jesus' attitude change the way we speak with the 'others' in our lives?