Dogs: What did Jesus say about Dogs

Jesus spoke about dogs in a metaphorical sense in several Bible verses. Here are notable instances:

1. The Syrophoenician Woman’s Faith (Mark 7:27): Jesus said, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” In this context, “dogs” metaphorically referred to Gentiles, illustrating the priority of Jesus’ ministry to the Jews. However, the woman’s faith and reply demonstrate God’s grace extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles.
2. The Teaching on Judging Others (Matthew 7:6): Jesus advised, “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” Here, “dogs” symbolize those who would disrespect, reject, and possibly blaspheme the sacred message of the Gospel.
3. The Return of the Unclean Spirit (Matthew 15:26-27): Similar to Mark 7:27, Jesus initially hesitates to heal a Canaanite woman’s daughter, comparing giving the children’s bread to dogs with ministering to the Jews before the Gentiles. The woman’s reply, acknowledging even dogs eat the crumbs from their master’s table, highlights her humility and faith, leading to her daughter’s healing.

Three main takeaways from Jesus’ mentions of dogs in the Bible are:

1. Priority of Ministry: Jesus’ initial ministry focus was on the people of Israel, as represented by the “children,” before extending His grace and healing to the Gentiles, metaphorically referred to as “dogs.” This reflects the broader mission of salvation, first to the Jews, then to the entire world.
2. Value of the Gospel: The teaching in Matthew 7:6 emphasizes the preciousness of the Gospel and the wisdom in sharing it discerningly. It suggests the message of the Kingdom of Heaven should be shared with those open to receiving it, to avoid desecration of what is sacred.
3. Inclusivity of God’s Grace: The interactions with the Canaanite or Syrophoenician woman demonstrate that faith, not ethnicity or social status, is key to receiving God’s grace. The humility and persistence in faith displayed by the woman show that God’s mercy and love are available to all who believe, transcending boundaries.