Derek's Discourse

Lesbian Panic

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:17:12 PST

Here is a story from the good folks at BoingBoing. An excerpt…

Mississippi's Itawamba County school district has cancelled a prom after Constance McMillen, an 18-year-old student, asked permission to bring her girlfriend as her date. The student planned to wear a tux. The school district's bureaucratic non-excuse for the cancellation is that it's "due to the distractions to the educational process caused by recent events."

Now, as a conservative Christian man, I fully and loudly condemn the actions of this school district. To cancel an entire prom because one girl wants to go with another girl is foolish and antiquated thinking. Many students look forward to the prom as a huge life event, a monumental right of passage for some.

“But Derek, how can you, as a Christian, condone gay couples at a prom?” Because we don’t live in a theocracy, that’s why. This took place at a public school, not a private Christian school. Secondly, we are not called to treat people differently because of how they live.

What I mean is, I am sure a lot of kids planned on having sex after (or even during) the prom as well, should we stone them as well? I mean, most proms are held at hotels for goodness sake. We will not and cannot win over anyone, whether gay or straight, if we continue to ostracize them in the name of morals.

The truth is, we all miss the mark, we all fall short, and we all need a Savior. Whether or not you have a prom, this girl is still going to be living the same lifestyle. She needs love, understanding, education, edification, enlightenment and most of all salvation, not castigation and callousness.

It’s Personal-part 1

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:34:29 PST

The search for acceptance is never an easy one. Often we end up either sacrificing a part of ourselves in order to fit in… or we end living a duplicitous lifestyle that catches up with you in the long run. Sadly I did both…

“Can’t sit here…seat’s taken” Many of us will remember this line uttered again and again whilst Forest Gump searches for a seat on the bus; many of us also know what it’s like to search for our own niche, our own “seat”, and be told time and time again that “this seat’s taken”. I remember this search (all too well), being a kid that went to five different schools during his childhood.

I was (and still am, lol) quite different from most people around me. I could never really put my finger on it, but I just knew I was different. I never really fit in any groups or cliques as myself.

So, I swiftly learned the art of acting (and later compartmentalizing) in order to get what I so desperately thought I needed…acceptance and attention.

At no time was this more evident than during my middle school years. I had just moved in with Dad and began attending a new school and a new church.

Our family began searching for churches until we eventually found one we liked. I wasn’t a Christian at the time, but I had been raised in the church so I knew all the lingo.

When we began attending this church the youth program was only about 5-10 kids, and when I finally departed (over 2 years later) it had grown to roughly 70-80 youth.

As long as I kept up the right persona, these church kids accepted me; I even started “going out with” (whatever that means) one of the nicer looking girls from the church (who by the way just recently had her first child) and was voted one of the top leaders of the youth group.

Meanwhile, I had begun to use smokeless tobacco as well as cigarettes whenever I could; I also had been introduced to pornography and began watching or looking at as much of it as I could. (these were the days before I had the internet)

So one could say I began my three addictions in middle school: Pretending, Pornography and Pall Mall’s. I still struggle, to this day, with first two; the third I was thankfully able to give up soon after I got out of the military.

Of course, this duplicitous, wandering lifestyle soon caught up with me though. My relationship with my lovely girlfriend went sour, my grades were D’s and F’s and I was forced to leave my position of leadership in the youth.

Finally, I had to leave my Dad’s and go back to living with my mom because no one knew what was wrong with me and why I was so depressed.

Part 2 of this series will cover my high school years and the start of my military career…

Is MegaVideo Cheating

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:28:18 PST

I don’t have “TV”. Yep, I said it. I don’t have television. I watch my favorite programs via the miracle of the interwebs. There are a couple of ways to get the entertainment goodness from the internet…

Firstly, you have the respective network sites…ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox.com This is the easiest and simplest way to enter in a world of broadcast TV heaven. Secondly, you have HULU.com which contains shows from a variety of networks, a sort of “buffet of broadcast” if you please.

Then you have the third option, which is searching on your own for your very favorite episode via a search site like SideReel.Com. Many times it will link to a large video repository site known as “MEGAVIDEO”. Here is the issue: MegaVideo has no commercials whilst the aforementioned choices all do have commercials.

So my question is, is it wrong to watch television shows uploaded by individual users, commercial free? Or, is this my reward for waiting a day to watch the shows? Kind of like the day old bread discount? What say you?

It’s Personal-Prequel

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:28:34 PST

…there comes a time in every man’s life where, if he desires true fellowship, he must not be afraid to bear his soul…instead he must be open and honest about what he was and who he is and let the chips fall where they may…else he is no man at all but a merely a very good actor…-dc-

Until now I have left my soul cloaked…obstructed from your view. I may have given you a peek at it, or let you see but a part of it. I have been fearful of judgment from both outside and within myself. I have feared that if given a true examination, I may not like what I find nor would anyone else.

But then I realized something, something amazing and terrifying; if I am to be truly effective, if I am to truly be a witness to the Kingdom of God I have no choice. I cannot please God if I don’t allow myself to be examined for what I really am and that is a sinner, a solider in this battle against the world, the flesh and the King of deceit. And like all soldiers, sometimes I have fallen in

Those that know me know this will be a fearful journey, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. I must, however, trust that those that truly love me, truly care for me and are my true brothers and sisters will still be standing beside me when the dust of truth settles.

I say to my loved ones up front two things: Firstly, I am deeply sorry to you that I have not been the man you needed me to be. I hope a tiny space in your heart still exists for me and that you can forgive me. Secondly, thank you. I am deeply humbled and blessed by your love, kindness and wisdom everyday.

I say to everyone else: Caution!. The next few blog posts will contain real truth about a real person. And many parts of it are not pretty nor loving…life is not a classic comedy that leaves you with a sense of catharsis. Instead it is filled with missteps and bad decisions, but thankfully it is also filled with a personal, loving Savior who is willing to forgive 70x7. If anyone ever need all 490 chances…’twas I.

Sex, Salary, Status

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:06:33 PST

…these three are for some lifelong goals which turn into deserted, dead-end roads trapping those who seek them to a life of emptiness and sorrow…

Another way it has oft been phrased is: pleasure, power and position.

“Look how many people report to me; look at my title”. “We live in the big house in the nice part of town. I drive the newest model of the best car out there.” “I have been with the most beautiful women in the world. I can get any man I want.”

While I cannot lie and say I have not been tempted by all three, I can say undoubtedly that each one carries with it only temporal pleasure and nary a trace of lasting fulfillment is to be found on this well worn asphalt.

One need only examine the lives of the following: Anna Nicole Smith, Howard Hughes, Health Ledger, Marilyn Monroe, etc… to see that this glittery road of fame, fortune and pleasure has but 4 left turns and two exits: Death or Life.

Jesus was tempted by all of the above, and He used the truth of Scripture to beat back their honey-coated lies every time. I humbly submit to you that if you are currently seeking something deeper, richer, truer and most of all everlasting than you aren’t going to find it in any of the above, but only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Take it from someone who has made the mistake of seeking it through pleasure, power and position…it never lasts and only leads to a deep sadness in the end. Choose Life…the exit is just up ahead on the right.

Commie Rolled

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:45:36 PST

If you are here because you got commie rolled, then check out this series I did awhile back on porn.

Building Your Faith

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:54:12 PST

Challies.Com has a great resource on their blog called “Free Stuff Fridays”. Many times it will involve items from ChristianAudio.Com. It has many free and other paid for resources that will help your faith grow. It includes podcasts, audio books, lectures, and other resources that will help you learn more about the Christian Faith.

Another great resource is the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry or CARM. It is a website run by Matt Slick and contains a plethora of easy to understand resources to help you learn more about and talk to those in other faith systems or cults, etc…

If you are looking for some great tools for evangelism, you can look no further than LivingWaters.Com. Ray Comfort is the founder of this open-air ministry that helps equip Christians to share their faith with the general public. It also contains some great free audio messages and if you are up for it a School of Biblical Evangelism.

Struggling with other areas of your faith or some sort of addiction? Contact me and I will be glad to offer you up some resources that will help you. Remember, there is a lot of static out there that will do nothing but leave you empty and confused, so make sure you find good, theologically sound sources that point you towards a biblical Jesus.

Podcasts I am currently subscribed too…

Chip Ingram (Daily Podcast…he also has a weekend podcast as well)

Morning and Evening by C.H. Spurgeon

Grace to You (Pulpit version / Radio Version) by John MacArthur

Micro-Humanity

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:05:51 PST

Many of us are familiar with the classic starfish story; a boy is frantically trying to rescue a plethora of beached starfish after a typhoon and is approached by an older gentleman; he informs the young lad that he will never be able to save the starfish and what he is doing is not making a difference. The famous retort offered by the little chap is “I made a difference to that one”.

Say what you may, I have always been inspired by that children’s folk tale. It drives home a crucial point that all of humanity needs to hear: One act by one person once a day can change the world. It has been famously uttered many different ways “Be the change you wish to see in the world” or Mother Theresa’s famous line “Go home and love your family” in response to a question of peace.

Jesus Christ approached his ministry in much the same way. He loved the unlovable, healed those who were sick, offered comfort and peace to those embattled with internal conflict and commanded us to do the same.

Right now, you know someone,someone who is within you sphere of influence, that you could help in some small way. A simple hug to the lonely or an ear to the downtrodden or a shoulder to cry on for those in mourning could make all the difference to someone in desperate need. And none of the aforementioned cost a dime, yet the returns on your investment are truly incalculable.

So, next time you are discouraged by what you see on the news or read in the paper, fear not. Perhaps the macro-chaos is out of your control, but a change in the micro-humanity is but phone call or knock on the door away.

A Big Day in America

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:21:23 PST

…only 36,000 people lost their jobs…which is really good.

(click to open video in a new window)

Blessing Idea #4795

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:43:33 PST

If you know a married couple with children whose going through a rough patch, offer to watch their kids for free to they can have a night alone, just the two of them. You might just be amazed at what time alone can accomplish.

If you want a blessing, be a blessing.

The Spell-Check Effect

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:00:06 PST

Hve you evr notced that sometmes we depnd a litte too much on spel chk? But wht if won day it didnt work?

On a serious note, I believe sometimes we depend a little too much on good old spell check. I know I do; not long ago,as part of a job interview, I had to take a surprise spelling test. The sheer panic that befell me was only comparable to the time my Nintendo didn’t work for three days. Luckily, I passed the test. It really got me thinking, however: “Am I too dependant on spell-check”?

I mean, back in my a nerdy school boy days (very funny, keep your jokes to yourself!) I would have welcomed a spelling test with open arms. I might have even kissed it when no one was looking. It was a chance to prove myself, to show my ole teach just what a wisenheimer I really was. I would have burned through it like Speed Racer after downing Red Bull laced with coke. Proudly I would have been the first to turn in my mastery of this language they call American.

But somewhere between puberty and Microsoft Word I got lost; I forgot what a diction…diction…that thing you look up words in was. In fact, if I had to go back to simply scribbling my notes on parchment I would be doomed. The recipients of my child-like, feeble attempts at written communication would believe they were deciphering the thoughts of a five year old with a bad case of palsy.

So what am I trying to say? Don’t always depend on spell check and do take the time to hand-write a letter or two; those you love will appreciate the thoughtful gesture and you perhaps will be one step closer to grasping something that has alluded me all my life: English.

New Podcast Up

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:28:19 PST

The New Testament podcast is up, it covers Mark 4:35-8-21. It also was done using the new “condensed format”. Since the Old Testament podcast was way longer than I expected it to be, I have decided that all future podcasts will be 10 minutes or less. I will simply highlight important or interesting points instead doing a chapter by chapter recount.

I believe this will be the best way to go since I have a limited amount of space on my podcast server and you all have a limited amount of time. As always, visit http://podcast.DereksDiscourse.com for the latest podcast.

MacArthur goes ESV

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:21:49 PST

For all you fans of the English Standard Version of the Bible, John MacArthur introduces the brand new John MacArthur study Bible in the ESV version. You can see the video here.

Thanks to Challies for pointing this out.

Currently, I am going through the NASB (New American Standard Bible) but I plan on going through the ESV in 2011 so I am excited about this new development.

Christian Right versus Christian

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:12:45 PST

I have always been of the firm belief that the “Christian Right” is in now way wholly representative of the actual “Christian Faith”. Instead they are group devout on getting attention and pushing an agenda that is more self-serving than Bible based. A blog posted by the AFA once again proved my point. Here is an excerpt:

If the counsel of the Judeo-Christian tradition had been followed, Tillikum would have been put out of everyone's misery back in 1991 and would not have had the opportunity to claim two more human lives.
Says the ancient civil code of Israel, "When an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten, but the owner shall not be liable." (Exodus 21:28)
So, your animal kills somebody, your moral responsibility is to put that animal to death. You have no moral culpability in the death, because you didn't know the animal was going to go postal on somebody.
But, the Scripture soberly warns, if one of your animals kills a second time because you didn't kill it after it claimed its first human victim, this time you die right along with your animal. To use the example from Exodus, if your ox kills a second time, "the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death." (Exodus 21:29)

The fact that this group would bring up the counsel of the Old Testament Law and prescribe it to a modern day situation is in very poor taste and also reeks of bad hermeneutics. Does the AFA still sacrifice animals and stone those guilty of adultery? I certainly hope they have had the opportunity to peruse the mercy, grace and love found amongst the pages of the New Testament.

I am not saying the Old Testament doesn’t have its place, but these laws found in the Pentateuch are not meant to be applied literally in the church age, and they know this. Shame on them for once again embarrassing Christianity. This poor woman is dead and her family needs grace, mercy and comfort not this sort of nonsense.

Sometimes the Left is Right…

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:27:43 PST

First, watch this interview with Mr. Fox (click to open video in new window), and then you can read my reaction to the whole situation below…

Now, here is my reaction…Sometimes the Left is Right. What does that mean? It means that sometimes the people we disagree with the most politically, philosophically, or religiously can say things that we believe. And I firmly believe that part of being a mature, cognitively developed, adaptive human being is being able to admit when someone you don’t like or don’t agree with is right. (or at the very least has a point)

Now, I don’t agree with his stance on stem cell research but I do agree with his approachability. He exhibits a willingness to sit down and discuss the issue; he shows the ability to freely and responsibly exchange ideas in the free marketplace. He isn’t shouting someone else down, he isn’t making fun of those who disagree with him, he is simply stating his opinion. Why are we so threatened by this?

Why are we so afraid to admit that someone who we disagree with can occasionally say something we do agree with? Why are we more interested in shouting down and belittling the other side instead of building up our own side? When did politics become filled with childish banter and cruel school yard ad hominems?

I long for the days of honest political debates and gentlemanly discourses; I think we would all be better people if we chose to elevate our discourse to such a level that we could discuss what we believe and why we believe it instead of yelling at and making fun of those who don’t believe what we believe.

New Podcast Up

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:26:32 PST

New podcast up, click the podcast link above or visit http://podcast.DereksDiscourse.com

Happy Un-Birthday

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:36:40 PST

To my loved ones,

Many of you no doubt will be sending gifts, warm wishes and love my way today and tomorrow; why shouldn't you do such a thing? 'Tis my birthday after all. And I am humbly grateful for such amazing people but I humbly submit it is you, not I, who deserve the praise on this, your Un-Birthday. (as Pipi Longstocking would say.)

For you see, it is you who make each year of my life interesting and lovely, it is you who fill it with abundance. So I step back to salute the following:

My parents: Mom, you brought me life. Anything else I could say would be secondary for there is no gift, no word, no carefully wrapped present, no cake that could top such a gift. And as far as my Dad goes, he is enjoying heaven right now, but I'll see him soon. John, you are an excellent man and a worthy servant of Christ. Keep fighting the good fight.
Neal : You helped raise me and helped make me the man I am today and for that I am thankful. God bless good sir.
My brothers: Squeaky! Thanx for putting up with all my silliness and craziness and still being there to offer unconditional love and support. Nathan and Aaron, I love you and am so grateful to have you in my life.
My sister: Megan, you died before I was born, but I still dream of you. I can't wait to meet you sis. Holly, I love you. You are an amazing young woman with a wonderful talent to take thoughts and express them in music. Keep it up, bring glory to our Savior.
My extended family: To my grandparents (including Norma Cole): I am so thankful to have you in my life. The wisdom you gave was from Heaven and no man could ask for better advice even if he were speaking to Solomon himself. To my Aunt's, Uncle's, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Step-siblings and etc... I am grateful for your love and support.
My dear friends: You have a choice as to where and with whom you spend your time. You lovingly, graciously spend it on me and for that I am deeply humbled. I love you all.
My dear wife: Let's grow old together whilst we continue to add to our Adventure Book. You make me wish I was a better husband and a better person. I am in love you.
and most importantly My Savior: Christ, I cannot wait to cast my feeble crowns at your feet. I deserve nothing you have ever given me.

It is because of all of you that I can truly say the 26^th year of my life was the best year yet...and it is because of you I can say the 27^th will be even better...God willing.

In Christ

-dc-

Happy National Pancake Day

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:27:13 PST

To all my dear readers, just wanted to wish you a Happy National Pancake Day. So go ahead, fry up a flapjack, heat up a griddle cake, slather on the butter and empty out the syrup…this is America! We love pancakes so much we made a day out of it. And for all you waffle lovers, its basically a plaid pancake so it counts.

Caught In Awkwardness?

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:24:21 PST

Today, whilst browsing the Internet, I noticed a story about by NBC. It was a pictorial slide show entitled “Caught In Awkwardness”. It featured several prominent figure skating couples in awkward situations.

I could understand if the comic organization had put this out, however, I don't understand why NBC, the very ones paying to broadcast the Olympics, would intentionally tried to humiliate world class athletes with split second embarrassing pictures taken during a 10 minute routine.

I guess it just goes to show that when you're in last place as far as the networks go you will do just about anything to claw your way back to bronze.

On an unrelated note, a new Podcast is up, click the Podcast link at the top of this page for more info.

New Digital Recorder

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:43:56 PST

Download this episode (right click and save)

PodCast Feb 2010 edition

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:12:49 PST

Greetings,

I know, it has been awhile since I last posted. It is because I have been working on the kinks on a new format for my Bible 365. It will now be a bi-weekly audio podcast rather than a daily double posting. I believe this will better suit my schedule as well as my readers/listeners schedule as well. Click the link below to listen or right click to download.

Download this episode (right click and save)

Bible 365-Sunday #4

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:30:21 PST

Sunday’s call for me to read the Psalms. These are words of praise and wisdom; they are poetic and pragmatic. I encourage you to read them as I believe they will enrich your life. This Sunday I encourage you read Chapters 13-17

Bible 365-Day 23-Evening

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:21:08 PST

Exodus 1:1-4:14

Let My People Go… (click for video). Good evening, I hope this day has found you well. Today’s reading covers the exponential growth of Israel, the birth of Moses, Moses fleeing to Midian, the burning bush, the mission of Moses, and God giving Moses power. Here are some notes:

In v 1:8, when it speaks of a new king arising, JM notes it is most likely a foreign Hyksos king, and that may account for why they didn’t know Joseph or his family; however, in v 1:13, (which more than likely is referring to a time after the expulsion of the Hyksos) it clearly states that the Egyptians continued the trend of enslaving the Hebrews.

Even though in 2:10 it states that Moses became her [Pharaoh's daughter] son, he still clung to his ancestry, refusing to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. (cf. Heb 11:24)

The rest of the reading is mainly the telling of plain, historical facts and doesn’t need too much explaination. JM notes that at several points in the story, large chunks of time have clearly passed, such 1:6-8 (over 200 years) 2:21-23 (40 years).

Bible 365-Exodus Introduction

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:06:33 PST

Exodus-Introduction

So just as the sun has set and brought to a close another day, so we have brought to a close the book of Genesis. But, as the old saying goes, when one door closes, another opens; let us open the new door of Exodus.

Now is as good a time as any to give you a quick note on the JM study Bible; prior to each book of the Bible is an introduction by JM. The introduction normally includes a few brief notes on the title of the book, the author and date, background and setting, historical and theological themes and interpretative challenges; furthermore, JM also does section introductions as well (i.e. minor prophets, major prophets, Pentateuch, gospels, etc..)…

At first I wasn’t going to include a blog on these intros, and instead I would just incorporate them into the very first post of each book, however, I found this method to be ineffective. So, I said all that to say this: From now on I will post an intro to each book of the Bible. Granted it won’t be anywhere NEAR as extensive as JM’s , but will hopefully be a somewhat helpful, informative segue for you as you traverse the Word of God with me.

Title

Fairly simple, Exodus’ main theme is the departure of Israel from the land of Egypt.

Author and Date

Moses around 1445 B.C. JM goes into detail about how scholars arrived at the 1445 B.C. date, which I will not do. One reference, however, is found within Scripture itself. In 1 Kings 6:1 , Solomon's fourth year of reign is noted as being 480 years after the Exodus. Other extra-biblical historical sources were used to calculate the date as well.

Background and Setting

The events of Exodus took place around the 18th dynasty of Egypt, which was by many accounts a strong period in the history of Egypt. Thutmose III was the Pharaoh of the Oppression and he has been called “The Napoleon of Ancient Egypt” for his ruling and military prowess.

Historical and Theological Themes

JM notes “The purpose of this book may be expressed like this: To trace the rapid growth of Jacob’s descendants from Egypt to the establishment of the theocratic nation in their Promised Land”

Interpretive Challenges

Some have said that since Egyptian history does not record the destruction caused by the ten plagues, etc… that all of Moses’ account is inaccurate at best and flat out lies at worst. JM notes that one should not think like this since Egyptian historians were not permitted at that time to record anything regarding the embarrassment or ignominious defeats of their Pharaohs. Other evidence, including archeological evidence has helped prove the account of Moses.

Again, I cannot emphasize enough that this is but a fraction of what JM writes, but I do hope it proves helpful.

Bible 365-Day 23-Morning

DerekJamesCormier@gmail.com (Derek Cormier) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:22:50 PST

Matthew 15:1-28

Grab some Earl Grey and a nice English muffin and join me in today’s reading of the New Testament. Today’s reading covers a brief debate over Tradition and Jesus healing a Gentile woman’s daughter. Here are some notes:

In v 2 , the “tradition” they are speaking of is extra-biblical, i.e. oral teachings not found anywhere in the Torah. Later, after Jesus talks about the difference between what goes in a man’s mouth versus what comes out of it, Peter asks Him to explain the “parable”.

There is no mystery whatsoever to the words of Jesus, it was simply a very hard concept for the disciples to accept. Years later, in Acts 10:14, Peter still had trouble accepting that all food was clean.

JM notes that in vv 26-28, Jesus is not talking down to the woman, instead he is trying to openly draw out the faith he knew she had for others to see.