Bible Reading 2

So, week 2. I’m only going to post this weekly, so this isn’t likely to become just a Bible commentary.

It’s Easter Sunday, nobody is up, so I’m continuing with Mark. In reading about the Samaritan woman whose daughter is demon-possessed, I saw something I haven’t before in the commentary I’m reading alongside the Bible. Obviously, Samaritans were despised by the Jewish people of the day, and referred to as dogs... while I haven’t gone to the Greek myself to confirm this, the commentator says that the word used for dog would be quite negative... I’m picturing the wild dogs around here, hassling cattle, terrorizing Moms of young ones.

But the term Jesus uses in Mark 7:27 means something more like a pet, a puppy specifically, but a dog you would care for, at least to some extent.

I need to go check that out a bit myself, but it sure gave me something to think about. I’ve always thought Jesus’ reply to the woman was pretty harsh, and marveled (to use a term Mark uses frequently!) that she was able to persist. But if she was used to being called a ‘cur’ and Jesus called her a puppy... hmmm.....

And then we get to Jesus feeding thousands, twice. And the disciples all freaked out because they forgot the bread. It is so easy to roll my eyes, and think, “Jesus just fed all these thousands of strangers and YOU gathered up the leftovers. How (!!!) can you be so completely blind?” But then I have to be honest and realize that I am no better.

I didn’t end the week with any great insights... but I did finish Mark. I’m not going to catch up with my mom’s church at this rate, but still... it is nice to have a plan for ME.

Comments on my original blog:

Tess -

Thanks Debra for the bit about the use of the word dog. I always thought it was pretty harsh too. And I hear you about being blind. I know I am guilty.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009 - 09:29 AM

Debra -

Tess, I did go in and find the Greek... and the word Jesus used in calling her a dog does translate basically as 'house dog' as opposed to 'wild dog'

I didn't find the 'puppy' meaning that was in the commentary, but still...

Tuesday, April 14, 2009 - 10:32 AM