Why couldn't Jesus minister to Gentiles during His earthly ministry?
Jesus was bound by the sovereign covenant agreement with Israel and Abraham. He could not extend grace to Gentiles until Israel first received every opportunity to hear the offer of the King and the Kingdom. Only after Israel rejected that offer would God turn to the Gentile world.
Les explains that Jesus was under the sovereign agreement with Israel and Abraham, so He could not pour out grace to Gentiles until Israel had every opportunity to hear the offer of the King and the Kingdom. The Gentile woman recognized this, saying even dogs eat crumbs from the Master's table. Jesus commended her faith and healed her daughter, showing He could heal a Gentile if He wanted, but the covenant priority had to be fulfilled. Only after Israel rejected the offer would God turn to the Gentile world.