What does Mark 7:30 mean?

This passage is of great importance to the Gentile readers of Mark's Gospel as it reveals Jesus' acceptance of both Jews and Gentiles who come to Him by faith. Though His earthly mission largely focused on the Jewish people, Jesus was and is available to all who will come to Him. Further, His acceptance of a woman kneeling before Him, asking for help, again shows Jesus as a person who cares about the needs of women and responds to their concerns. In a time when women's rights are often neglected, Jesus expresses much compassion and respect to the women who come to Him.

At the time of the writing of this commentary, western culture is reeling at the fusillade of revelations of abuse and violence against women and ethnic minorities. No matter how many of these accusations have ties to a church, a denomination, or a "Christian" organization, it's essential to understand that this was never Jesus' heart. He condemns religious leaders who take advantage of their charges (Ezekiel 34:1–10) and welcomes anyone with faith—even a woman from a nation antagonistic toward Jews.

Paul said that in the church, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, male or female (Galatians 3:28). Jesus here shows that there is no distinction between Jew and Canaanite. And today, there is no distinction between white, black, Hispanic, Asian, or any other earthly ethnicity.

As Jesus prayed in John 17:20–21: "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."