Sunday, April 12th: “Encounters with Jesus: An Unwelcomed Encounter”
Jesus’ encounter with a Canaanite woman, in the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon, is again about transformation, but in a most unexpected way. It’s important to remember that Jesus was a Jew. He was born Jewish, raised Jewish, and sent by God to be the Jewish Messiah, so he rarely trod on Gentile soil. But this week’s narrative is one of those rare exceptions, and this time, Jesus is the one who leaves transformed. Some people may consider the idea that Jesus is subject to change to be scandalous or irreverent. But, if God isn’t open to change, why did Abraham and Moses argue with God, and win? Lots to think about this week, as we wrap up our “Encounters with Jesus” worship series.