In the text, Jesus went to the region of Tyre seeking rest for himself and his disciples. Tyre was a Gentile region where Jews were worried about ceremonial uncleanness and referred to Gentiles as dogs, and perceived women as even lower than dogs. Jesus went into a house hoping to be hidden from the crowds. However, he could not be hidden. When Jesus is in an individual, he cannot be hidden because when God is in you, you cannot help but let your light shine.
An unknown Gentile woman, who heard about his miracles, immediately came and fell at his feet. “She was a Greek and of the Syrophoenician race. She begged Jesus to drive the demons out of her daughter.” (v. 26) Jesus told her, “First let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” (v. 27) She heard him, but she replied, “Even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” (v. 28) When Jesus heard her response, he was moved. God admires people who do not give up but go after what they want. Jesus told her to go home. When she arrived, she saw that the demons had left her daughter.
Jesus attempted to convince the Jews that there were no distinctions among foods or among people in terms of their acceptance by God. Do not stop praying, asking, and going after what you want. Know that God can do anything but fail. All of us are dogs. Who let the dogs out? God did!