Devotion
Salvation for All
Frances Taylor

For all those who might think that Jesus only listens to Christians, this should give them pause. Of course the people listening to this exchange were Jews, who thought that the Messiah was only for them. They and we are both wrong. This passage is only one example in Scripture where the healing power of Jesus acts in the life of a non-Jew. If we have any questions about it, these should answer them.

Jesus came for all. He answers the prayers of all. No one has an advantage, we are all God's children, we are all brothers and sisters of Jesus. One difference might be that we know God better and know what is expected of us more clearly than others who do not believe. For that reason, more might be expected of us in return. For those of us who claim a special relationship with Christ, it is not an option whether or not we follow the rules and examples that have been given to us.

We understand the importance of love and forgiveness, mercy and working for justice. The first letter of John tells us that God is love and anyone who loves is of God. Love is the key word. The woman who came to Jesus for healing for her daughter knew love and she trusted in the mercy of Jesus. And he didn't disappoint. When we reach out in prayer, he won't disappoint us either.

Prayer

Lord, you teach us by example that love has no boundaries, and that we, too must have no boundaries in our love of others. Amen.