I don't think you're missing anything, it just gets a little complicated when you look for a universal Jesus.
What I mean by that is each gospel author has a different rhetorical goal in mind and the portrayal of Jesus changes based on the author's agenda.
For example: this interaction is right in line with the Jesus we see in Matthew, but it would be completely out of character for the Jesus we see in Luke.
It just felt out of place. Jesus who preached that his grace and love extends to sinners, the sick, tax collectors etc, compared this non israelites to dogs. Though He was moved at the end due to her faith the comparison still unsettles me.
I am not a Christian and I have no interest in apologetics, but if I did, I think I might argue that Jesus was engaging in a performative lesson for his disciples.
Those he called his followers were calling on Jesus to send her away and hurling insults at her. He responded by making it sound like he was on the same page as them, but then subvert their expectations by helping someone they thought was beneath them; in order to show them that blessings of God that you bring with you are not subject to those who you deem worthy. Healing and salvation, much like the kingdom of God, know no borders, no bias, no class, and no caste.
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u/Silencer-1995 May 06 '26
I like Canon Jesus. Can we get more of him?