The faith of the Canaanite mother

The faith of the Canaanite mother

Scripture:

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Matthew 15:21-28

Observation:

Upon entering the region of Tyre and Sidon, the Lord encounters a desperate Canaanite woman who entreats Him to heal her daughter who is demon possessed. She seems to be well versed with Jewish affairs, even calling Him Son of David, alluding to His Messiahship.

At first, the Lord does not answer a word, but the disciples urge Him to send her away as she keeps hassling them. So the Lord explains that He is only sent to the lost sheep of Israel. In the order of God’s plan, it was necessary for the Lord to first preach to Israel before the gospel was preached to the Gentiles i.e. all other nations. It is not that the Lord does not love the other nations, but Israel was chosen first from among the nations to be the light of God, and so they too must receive the Gospel first. In the day of judgment, this order will also be the same, with the Jew judged first before the Gentile. The Lord is just in all His ways.

The desperate mother does not give up but kneels before the Lord and begs Him to help her. Then, the Lord gives her what seems like a surprising insult, saying “it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs”. However, the Greek word used for “dogs” here does not refer to outside, stray dogs, but beloved household pets like puppies who hover around the table near the children. In the parallel passage in Mark, he records this statement a bit differently as “first let all the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs (household pets). Thus, the woman would not have taken it as an insult, but would picture a typical household image in her mind. Jesus was using a parable to explain that His ministry and miracles was first for the Jews before coming to the Gentiles.

Incredibly, the Canaanite woman then makes a surprising reply, saying that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. Using the same allusion, she was saying that even the slightest display of the Lord’s power was sufficient to heal her daughter. Amazed by her faith, the Lord tells her to go for her daughter is healed, and so she is. Although His ministry was primarily for the Jews first, the Lord made an exception for her because of her great faith.

Application:

How strong indeed was the faith of the Canaanite woman. She was not a Jew yet she understood that God is a God of miracles, and nothing is too hard for Him. Even the crumbs of His power is already far more than sufficient to bring about great miracles and healing. We need to pray to God for faith like that. He is truly our Mighty God, perfect and powerful in all His ways.

Another thing we notice is also the great perseverance of the woman. She really persevered and did not give up despite the Lord’s initial refusal to listen to her pleas. This is such an important lesson for us in prayer, not to give up, but keep praying and praying and entreating God until our prayers get answered.

One more area we can learn regarding prayer is that sometimes God seems silent, and we may seem to be praying to ears that do not listen. However, the Lord was aware of her presence all along, and was gradually leading her on to show her great faith to His disciples as a lesson to them. Again, if we are praying, and God seems silent, do not lose hope, but remember that eventually the Lord will answer, in His good timing.

Prayer

Praise thee, Lord, for the marvelous lesson of the faith of the Canaanite woman. Give us faith like she had O Lord, that even the slightest effects of Your great power is already far more than sufficient to bring about great miracles in our life. Smoothen our paths O Lord, deliver us from trouble we pray. Blessed be Your name forever.

Grant us that strong perseverance even as we pray. Teach us to tarry, to hold on to You like Jacob of old. Let us persevere and be patient in our prayers, help us prevail until You, O Lord, answer us, for You will never let the righteous fall! Bless Your name forever, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.