Jesus Heals a Canaanite Daughter

God's Urgent Call
Calling of Prophets

Called to Break Down Barriers

Matthew 15:21-28 The Message

Healing the People

21-22 From there Jesus took a trip to Tyre and Sidon. They had hardly arrived when a Canaanite woman came down from the hills and pleaded, “Mercy, Master, Son of David! My daughter is cruelly afflicted by an evil spirit.”
23 Jesus ignored her. The disciples came and complained, “Now she’s bothering us. Would you please take care of her? She’s driving us crazy.”
24 Jesus refused, telling them, “I’ve got my hands full dealing with the lost sheep of Israel.”
25 Then the woman came back to Jesus, went to her knees, and begged. “Master, help me.”
26 He said, “It’s not right to take bread out of children’s mouths and throw it to dogs.”
27 She was quick: “You’re right, Master, but beggar dogs do get scraps from the master’s table.”
28 Jesus gave in. “Oh, woman, your faith is something else. What you want is what you get!” Right then her daughter became well.

For Reflection

The Canaanite woman's first plea was for Christ to heal her daughter. It seemed as though she saw Christ as only one in a long line of healers.  But, Christ's reply would please the Israelites, and subtly move them to understand the narrowness of their faith and the breadth of God's healing message.

Christ's comment about dogs not only touched the attitude of the Israelites but also challenged the woman to reveal her understanding of Christ's sovereignty. It also showed her faith in the truth of Christ. Yes, Christ granted her prayer, but He also showed Israel how to love outsiders who confess their faith in Christ.

Glad to accept crumbs fallen from the table of God, the Canaanite woman recognized that she deserved nothing and in humility received grace.  God will give the greatest of God's blessings to those who see themselves as less than the least regarded soul.

Pray

Pray prayers of thanksgiving for the smallest gift from God. Pray so that the power, majesty, and grace of God will humble you. Pray, so that you will understand God's equal love for all people.