Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

When I read the story of the healing today, I was taken aback by the way Jesus initially responds to this woman. When she first approaches Jesus, He ignores her. This is not the response we have come to expect from Jesus. He tries to dissuade her, saying she is from the wrong race—He came for the Israelites. But the woman stands firm and continues to ask, even referring to herself as a dog willing to eat the crumbs from the master’s table. Jesus finally commends her faith and heals her daughter instantly.

Why did Jesus treat her like this? It seems rude to ignore someone and then make them argue for healing. What else is going on here? The disciples get frustrated by the woman’s insistence and beg Jesus to send her away. What is the lesson Jesus is trying to teach here? Jesus is highlighting the woman’s persistence and great faith. He says to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire” (Matthew 15:28, ESV).

It’s also important to note that Jesus was speaking to a woman. Women were not valued at the time. So here is a woman and an outsider being rewarded for her faith. This is not the only place we see someone who fits that description in the Scriptures. What does that mean for us? It doesn’t matter your background or circumstances, whether you are a new Christian or come from a long line of ministers. What matters is your faith and your persistence. Jesus’ crumbs are better than any meal the world can offer.

Today, ponder this: What holds you back from seeking God and asking for His mercy? How can you be more like the Canaanite woman in her trust?