The Disdained Syro-Phoencian Woman
Psalm 9
How did Jesus view His enemies? In Mark the disciples told Jesus that they told a man to quit casting out demons in Jesus name. Jesus told them not to stop him because he that is for us is not against us. We may better understand this when we consider the man in Ephesus who tried to mimic Paul casting out demons in Jesus name. That demon said he knew Paul, he knew Jesus, but I don't know you, and things didn't turn out very good.
So just who were the enemies of Jesus? Did He see them the same way we typically do, like the disciples, someone who is not one of our group?, or was it as David saw Goliath, someone who in battle stood among the opposition, but in his very being and disdain for the God of Israel caused him to be counted an enemy of God?
I will be glad, and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy Name, O most High, For that mine enemies are turned back: they shall fall, and perish at thy presence. For thou hast maintained my right and my cause: thou art set in the throne, and judgest right. Thou hast rebuked the heathen: thou hast destroyed the wicked: thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
Psalms 9:2 - 5 GNV
So if Jesus prayed Psalm 9 as a prayer it would only make sense that Jesus understood enemies as those who opposed God and His intent and true desire of His Word. As we think of John chapter one, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...Jesus then being the Word would clearly understand what true opposition to God and His Word is.
So, of all people was Jesus treatment of the Syro-Phoencian woman (Mark 7:21 - 30) as an enemy since she was not Jewish? Jesus said He was sent to the lost house of Israel. She wasn't His primary focus in His teaching and healing ministry. But like us when we come to Him He challenged to know the true intent and desire of her heart. He not only healed her daughter, but greatly commended her faith. Even the truth of His healing wasn't in front of those who heard this, but only when she returned home did she see her daughter no longer had the demon. He may have sounded rough and disrespectful, but He honored her faith and showed great love for her and her daughter as a true testament of His Father's love. He judged rightly her heart and cause of her life.