Dogs and Pigs

Matthew 7:6

6

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

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Meaning:

Messianic Jews were raised on the Law that came down through Moses. When the Law and its statutes and ordinances are kept gave Jews of the day an understanding of righteousness. And for those who gathered to listen to Jesus, and believed he was the Chosen One, were now capable of carrying the righteousness forward in faith.

But in doing so, these Messianic Jews were warned not to attempt to feed the unholy what they would not be able to digest. As those outside the walls, the Gentiles, did not grow up knowing the Law nor its statutes and ordinances. So to a Gentile, if they were being judged based on this Jewish perception would be being judged unfairly, and as a result would have contempt. The concern was that this contempt would be based on thier perception of discrimination and unfairness, and that this would discourage Gentiles from having confidence in their own capacity to know righteousness.

The twelve disciples and Jesus were focussed solely on the Jews. It was only when Jesus came to Saul/Paul that the Gentiles were considered. This is why there is such confusion creates with poor teaching. The books of the disciples are all designed to interpret how Jesus and the disciples brought the gospel of the Kingdom to the Jewish people. Although they give us, the Gentiles, some good insight, our place in this is founded on the writings of Paul and his helpers. (Luke did travel with Paul, and the book of Luke does carry a full understanding for Gentiles).

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Matthew 15:24-28

24

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

25

The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

26

He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

27

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

28

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

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Consider this: A slave was sent into a vineyard to properly stand up the grapevines that were coming into season. The slave did so, then the slave said to himself, what else can I do to serve well my master? So the slave weeded the entire field. When the Master returned and saw this, he was pleased with how the slave did more than what he was sent to do, and honored the slave.

Jesus was sent for the lost sheep of Israel, but because of his compassion and great love for the Father, he placed himself as a sacrifice for all mankind, so that if they believed, they too could receive eternal life.

Jesus came to Saul/Paul and described through him the ways that Gentiles could be saved. And now we see the difference between what Paul ministered and what the disciples ministered is clear. Jews walked a path of righteousness, and Gentiles walked in their transgressions.

We are compared to dogs and pigs because we are raised to follow our nature, and our instincts to thrive. This is why the ministry of Paul is all about denying ourselves, and striving/persevering to show self restraint. We are called to humble ourselves in this manor, and in the present moment, to seek in faith to have holiness come through us to serve the Father's will. We run in opposition to our nature, and this is the sufferance we sustain in order to selfless serve the will of God, which is to put Him first and love one another.

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Prayer helps us keep on track, as it is an exercise of spiritual quality that enhances our faith. Pray constantly. Be forgiving. Do not allow yourself to be judgemental. When you are shown the sin you do, repent it and also replace it with actions that are holy, like self control. Focus on encouraging one another, staying positive and celebrating what holiness you see come through others. We were not raised to recognize holiness, and none are righteous. But we are dead to our old ways when we are living by faith. Remain in the body of Christ. Stumble, but never quit. Your sincerity is known by a Messiah that loves you.

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