The disciples had seen, done and learned much with Jesus. He took them away from Israel to the coast; perhaps they thought they were going to have a holiday, a break from ministry. However their tranquillity was interrupted by a pagan woman who pestered them; calling out loudly to ask Jesus to deliver her daughter from demonically inspired mental anguish.
 
Jesus did not respond. He wanted to see how the disciples would handle the situation. Not well. They asked Jesus to command her to go away (and leave the demons in control of the girl). Then Jesus said that He was sent to Jews and not Gentiles ... how did that make them feel - justified in wanting to get rid of her? Jesus was teaching His men that they should not choose to minister according to where people had come from but, where they wanted to go to.
 
The woman persisted. She had already truly identified Jesus as the Lord and the Messiah (anointed Son of David). She insisted on meeting Him personally, and knelt down in respect and reverence. Her plea was now reduced to, "Lord, help me!" When Jesus said that it was not right to stop feeding God's people the Jews, the woman claimed the right of dogs to eat what was left over. Jesus saw that she knew who He was, believed in His power to deal with evil in her family and trusted that He would have mercy on her, even though she knew she had no right to demand His help. Permission was given, Satan was defeated and the girl was healed. It was an important missionary lesson for the disciples.
 
Following Jesus is an adventure (for those who trust Him) or a nightmare (for those who want to stay in control). The disciples had to learn that God loves everybody and that Jesus died so that 'whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life' (the apostle John had certainly got the message when He wrote John 3:16). Bit by bit, Jesus will also move us away from our religious comfort zones so that we can serve Him in weakness and see Him work in power. Do not reject a ministry opportunity if the Lord has given it to you. Do not select who receives your compassion and the gospel explanation, based on your prejudices. Be aware that the Holy Spirit is already preparing people to trust in Jesus. Lead them to Him and do not get in their way.