Searching for the God of Love
in ancient scripture. series. 1.
The Canaanite woman, ChatGPT and I.
Disclaimer:
- This may not be reflected in Hebrews or Koine Greek translations, it may not even be biblical at all. It is just a personal pursuit to find the omnipotent God of creation that had a plan for the end even before the beginning. I’m discerning scripture using the test of which interpretation yields a message that places God and creation in the best possible positive view on the proposition that if we err then it is better to err on the side of love of God.
ChatGPT, the Canaanite woman and I.
I asked Chat to write the meaning of the dialogue between Jesus and the Canaanite woman. Chat erroneously made the statement that Jesus came for the children of Israel not that Jesus made that statement. Luke omitted the statement altogether possibly because he thought that Jesus simply would not make such a false statement. But in Mathews account it is an odd remark since Jesus had already had had encounters with none Jews such as the Centurion a Roman to whom Jesus had expressed the love of an enemy by responding and stating that he had not found such faith in all of Israel. It also led to the interpretation that Jesus was continuing to ignore her.Chat also quoted the common belief that Jesus referred to her as a dog. Would Jesus be so unkind and rude which is quite out of context with his other encounters and the teaching lessons we need to extract? Note that in her reply she stated "even the dogs" not "even us dogs" Apparently she didn't include herself? And by this statement she puts the qustion back to Jesus.
Chat concluded that Jesus was demonstrating how “not” to behave by being more kind and the woman’s faith demonstrated her persistence rather than the more valid insight to the Lords table for all. A great end for the woman not so good for Jesus and very unlike him from other verses where he tests the faithful with questions.
I engaged Chat again to rewrite a better interpretation.
Me: Rewrite an interpretation of the Canaanite woman where Jesus statement that he came for the children of Israel was a question either to the apostles who were blocking her or to the woman to see how she would react. And that in the statement that it was not good to throw the childrens food to dogs was also a question to the woman to test her faith. A possible connection to “do not throw your pearls to swine.” In her answer she referenced the table of the Lord possibly the last supper that even the dog the betrayer, Judas, still ate and even though she was an alien to Israel she was a believer. The children being a metaphor for believer and the food Jesus power to heal as she requests.
ChatGPT
In the encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman, Jesus' statement that he came for the children of Israel can be seen as a question directed either to the apostles who were blocking her or to the woman herself, aiming to test her faith and persistence. Rather than a definitive declaration, Jesus sought to elicit a response that would demonstrate the depth of her belief and determination.
Similarly, when Jesus mentioned that it was not good to throw the children's food to dogs, it can be understood as a probing question rather than an insult. By using this analogy, Jesus aimed to gauge the woman's reaction and her understanding of her own position as an outsider. The connection to the phrase "do not throw your pearls to swine" can be drawn here, suggesting that valuable teachings should be shared with those who can truly appreciate and understand them.
In her answer, the Canaanite woman astutely referred to the table of the Lord, possibly alluding to the Last Supper, where even the betrayer Judas, often symbolically referred to as a dog, partook in the meal. By making this reference, the woman highlighted the inclusiveness and transformative power of Jesus' ministry. Despite being an outsider, she affirmed her faith and acknowledged her place at the table as a believer.
Thus, in this reinterpretation, the children mentioned by Jesus serve as a metaphor for believers, and the food represents Jesus' power to heal and transform lives. Through her unwavering faith and profound understanding, the Canaanite woman demonstrates that even as an alien to Israel, she is a devoted follower deserving of Jesus' healing touch and mercy.
Me: Is this a better reflection of Jesus ethos compared to the popular ones.
ChatGPT: The reflection of Jesus' ethos presented in the reinterpretation of the Canaanite woman's encounter offers an alternative perspective that emphasizes Jesus' testing of the woman's faith and the inclusiveness of his ministry. While the popular interpretations of this story may vary, they often focus on Jesus' initial reluctance to help the woman and his eventual acknowledgment of her faith.
Both interpretations carry elements of Jesus' ethos, but the suggested reflection highlights the significance of faith and persistence, challenging individuals to demonstrate their unwavering belief in Jesus even in the face of obstacles. It also underscores the broader message of inclusivity and the transformative power of Jesus' teachings. Ultimately, different interpretations may resonate with different individuals based on their own understanding, beliefs, and cultural context. It is important to approach these narratives with an open mind and seek a holistic understanding of Jesus' ethos by considering various perspectives and interpretations.
