The Faith of a Canaanite Woman
Matthew 15:25-28: "And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.' But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, 'Send her away, for she is crying out after us.' He answered, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' But she came and knelt before him, saying, 'Lord, help me.' And he answered, 'It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.' She said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed instantly."
Yesterday we saw the disciples' concern that Jesus offended the Pharisees. Once again, Jesus is not afraid to offend. His words seem incredibly harsh with this Canaanite woman. Jesus is acknowledging that his mission is first and foremost to the Jews. He is also demonstrating to his disciples what true faith looks like. This Gentile woman acknowledges Jesus as the promised king of Israel. She looks to him as her only hope for the healing of her daughter. When Jesus answers her abrasively, she perseveres until Jesus commends her faith and heals her daughter.
To the Jewish leaders, this woman was nothing more than a dog. Yet, in this Canaanite woman, Jesus found faith - saving faith. Not only is her daughter healed but her faith is commended. Jesus is looking for true followers. This woman believes and whole-heartedly pursues Jesus in that belief. Her tenacity of faith is rewarded.
Do you have this tenacity of faith? May we learn from the example of this Canaanite woman to believe that Jesus is the true King of Israel, the promised Messiah, and the only hope for healing. May we come to him in this kind of desperation and faith.
Oh Lord, you are our only hope! We believe that in you and you alone do we find the healing that we so desperately need. Come, Lord Jesus! Come and heal our hearts, create this tenacious faith within us, and heal our land.
Yesterday we saw the disciples' concern that Jesus offended the Pharisees. Once again, Jesus is not afraid to offend. His words seem incredibly harsh with this Canaanite woman. Jesus is acknowledging that his mission is first and foremost to the Jews. He is also demonstrating to his disciples what true faith looks like. This Gentile woman acknowledges Jesus as the promised king of Israel. She looks to him as her only hope for the healing of her daughter. When Jesus answers her abrasively, she perseveres until Jesus commends her faith and heals her daughter.
To the Jewish leaders, this woman was nothing more than a dog. Yet, in this Canaanite woman, Jesus found faith - saving faith. Not only is her daughter healed but her faith is commended. Jesus is looking for true followers. This woman believes and whole-heartedly pursues Jesus in that belief. Her tenacity of faith is rewarded.
Do you have this tenacity of faith? May we learn from the example of this Canaanite woman to believe that Jesus is the true King of Israel, the promised Messiah, and the only hope for healing. May we come to him in this kind of desperation and faith.
Oh Lord, you are our only hope! We believe that in you and you alone do we find the healing that we so desperately need. Come, Lord Jesus! Come and heal our hearts, create this tenacious faith within us, and heal our land.
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