Jesus stopped. "God has sent me only to the lost sheep of the flock of Israel."
"And she is a gentile," said James with satisfaction. When the woman overtook them, he was sure Jesus would send her away.
Kneeling, the woman said, "Do help me, Lord!"
The disciples were taken back. How did she dare call him "Lord"! Who did she think he was?
When Jesus spoke to the woman his voice was kindly, but the words seemed harsh: "Woman, it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs under the table."
That will show her she has no right to bother us, thought James.
But James was mistaken. "No, Master," the woman answered smiling, "but the dogs can wait patiently for the crumbs to fall from the children's table, can't they?"
Jesus' face lighted up. "O woman, you have great faith! You have found the Kingdom of God. Go back to your daughter; your prayer is granted."
The disciples were aghast. James burst out, "Master, what can this mean?"
"How can a gentile be included in our Kingdom?" demanded Simon.