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How to Bring Healing in a Racially Charged Culture

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret. Right away a woman who had heard about him came and fell at his feet. Her little girl was possessed by an evil spirit, and she begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter. Since she was a Gentile, born in Syrian Phoenicia, Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.” “Good answer!” he said. “Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.” And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone. Mark 7:24-30 NLT

Jesus brought healing by:

Listening first

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. Proverbs 12:15 NLT

Seeing potential

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.” “Good answer!” Mark 7:28-29 NLT

“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” John 1:46 NLT

We judge people based on what they have done, Jesus judges us based on what we could become.

Identifying the real enemy

“Good answer!” he said. “Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.” Mark 7:29 NLT

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT

Treating people differently

Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly! Mark 7:31-35 NLT 

Dying to bring us together

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. Ephesians 2:14 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find some space this week to quiet yourself before God. In the midst of a turbulent world, be intentional about pausing, breathing, inviting God unto your current circumstances and into this moment. Ask him to expose any areas in your life where your eyes need to be opened to people who you need to see differently. Confess to God any biases, preconceptions, or anything else that would prevent you from seeing another person as created in the image of God. Thank Jesus for his death and resurrection for you - and also for everyone. Be intentional about thanking Jesus for his sacrifice for anyone whom you see differently than yourself. Ask God to remind you throughout your week to see others in a new light—created, loved beings who are worthy of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Take steps this week to build bridges of peace, starting within your own heart. Then ask God for opportunities to offer his love to others.​

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about God or yourself lately in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read James 1:19. When you compare the occasions where you’ve been “slow to speak and slow to get angry” with those moments where you have popped off more than usual, what ways has that affected you or your relationships?
  3. Read John 1:46. Nathanael judged Jesus based on a stereotype. What are some of the practical things you do in your relationships that help you see past stereotypes into who individual people really are?
  4. Read Proverbs 12:15. What foolish things (if any) have you recently discovered in yourself as you have listened to others, and what can you do to continue listening to those who are different from you?
  5. Read Ephesians 6:12. Satan thrives on chaos and division. In what ways does seeing Satan as the real enemy of unity (as opposed to seeing others as the enemy) help you as you strive toward reconciliation?
  6. Read Ephesians 2:14. Jesus already brought peace to all peoples and broke down the walls that separate us. What practical actions can you take this week to align your life to his peace and build the relationships that lead to reconciliation?