Matthew 15:21-28 The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

The districts of Tyre and Sidon were at the coast of the Mediterranean, far away from the Sea of Galilee. Jesus chooses this region to get away from the crowds and rest. It is important to note that Tyre and Sidon are Gentile regions and God had already pronounced judgment upon these cities for their unbelief. But one Canaanite (non-Jew, pagan Gentile) woman from that region came after Jesus crying and begging him to heal her daughter. Faith doesn't give up.

At first, Jesus does not respond to her cry. Why doesn't he? He clearly states that he came to the lost sheep of Israel. His refusal to serve her need is not lack of compassion, but a sense of purpose. God wants to reach out to Israel first; then the Gentile world later. Besides, you have to consider that he went there to rest and those cities had not displayed faith very well in the past. Faith pursues with persistence.

Getting through the apostles, she kneels down before Jesus and asks for help. Faith overcomes obstacles. Jesus' answer is shocking: "It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." The Jews would insult the Gentiles by calling them dogs, but Jesus uses an affectionate term "little dog". He is not trying to insult her; he is trying to make her realize that there is an agenda and her turn was not yet.

The woman's reply: "...even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall..." displays great faith. Faith pushes the limits. The pagan god of healing was about 3 miles from there, but she chooses Jesus. She understands somewhat who Jesus is because she calls him Son of David. And she understands somewhat the promise of blessing to those outside the house of Israel through the promise to Abraham. Faith understands the promises of the kingdom.

My faith is so little. In pursuing the promises of the kingdom, I have given up more than once. I don't pursue with the persistence of true conviction. When obstacles come my way, I paralyze in fear. All because I don't understand well the promises of the kingdom. Oh Lord, help me in my unbelief! Grant me to believe like this Canaanite woman!