Some People Test the Jesus in Me

I saw a shirt this summer that said: Some People Test the Jesus in Me. I thought it was hilarious and showed it to Kathy and her response was something like-you can't wear that. I thought to myself that not only could I wear it but I could wear it at church and there was a good sermon message in that statement. So Kathy made me the shirt and I preached about that statement a couple of weeks ago. Here are some thoughts from that message.

Some people irritate each of us in certain ways. Some people who are punctual get frustrated when others don't respect other peoples time. People who are hard workers get frustrated with those who do the bare minimum just to get by. Others get frustrated when someone spends 1/3 of the time on a seminary paper and gets a better grade. All of these examples apply to me from time to time. We all have that person who tests are patience and gets on our nerves more than others. That person who does things differently that makes us shake our head, roll our eyes, grit our teeth, or clench our fists. When people frustrate me it tests my ability to be nice.

Well what if someone tested Jesus? How would He respond? There's a story in Matthew 15:21-28 where Jesus is tested:

From there Jesus went to the regions of Tyre and Sidon. A canaanite woman from those territories came out and shouted, "Show we mercy, Son of David. My daughter is suffering terribly from demon possession." But he didn't respond to her at all. His disciples came and urged him, "Send her away; she keeps shouting out after us." Jesus replied, "I've been sent only to the lost sheep, the people of Israel. But she knelt before him and said, "Lord, help me." He replied, "It is not good to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord. But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall off their masters' table. Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith. It will be just as you wish." And right then her daughter was healed.

Jesus does not seem to respond in a way I typically view Jesus. First, he ignores her cries for help. Second, he says his message is only for the Lost sheep of Israel. Third, he uses a metaphor and tells her that food for the children should not be thrown to the dogs. The women is marginalized and Jesus doesn't seem to have time for her, is dismissive, and insults her. So what do I do with this? At first glance Jesus' response is troubling and brings up troubling questions. Was Jesus having a bad day? Was Jesus being rude? Was Jesus simply in a hurry to get to where he was planning on going? Or was Jesus testing the woman's faith?

But further thinking, study, and discussion allows this text to help my understanding of Jesus and strengthen my faith. First, it shows me the humanity of Jesus. I think if someone was shouting at me I would at first ignore them and then probably try and walk away as fast as I could without even hearing them. I would probably respond in a similar way to how Jesus responds here. Second, this text helps me because Jesus responds in a way that I would not expect and today Jesus does not always come through in the way that we expect. Honest reflection and questions help to strengthen us as disciples of Christ. Perhaps this was a reminder in Jesus' ministry about the gospel message being for everyone. Maybe a reminder to the disciples (who wanted to send the woman away). Or maybe a reminder to Jesus himself about his own gospel.

We all have people who test us and who try our patience. It's going to happen. It's not important that others test us but it is important how we ultimately respond. Ultimately, Jesus responded with grace, mercy, and compassion. How will you respond when people "test" you?

Grace & Peace
Kevin