One of the most recognizable movie lines of all time comes from the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, when the wicked witch says to Dorothy, “I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!” It’s a funny but potent line because it displays the witch’s hatred—she despises Dorothy so much that she includes Dorothy’s little, powerless, and insignificant dog in her threats.
Jesus spoke of little dogs but with a much nobler and encouraging perspective. He once challenged a gentile woman who desired a miracle with the simple parable, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”[1] The woman reasoned that even little dogs eat crumbs that fall, and Jesus rewarded her faith! Jesus wasn’t degrading that woman or Gentiles. His miracle pointed to a time when all would be welcome to experience His blessing, Jew and Gentile alike. The invitation to be a part of the Lord’s family is open to all—the little dogs like me and you too!
[1] Matthew 15:26-26, NKJV