Matthew 15:21-28

Matthew 15:21-28
The region of Tyre and Sidon are on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, well north of Israel and outside the pale of Judaism. Tyre and Sidon were also cities that had been prophetically cursed by the Lord in the Old Testament for their wickedness. Except for this opportunity to teach and possibly the opportunity to be alone with His disciples, the reason for Jesus’ visit to this area is unknown.When we read “Canaanite woman” it immediately causes us to remember that the Canaanites were a wicked nation whom God had driven from the land when He empowered Israel during the days of Joshua. But even in the midst of such a notoriously sinful people is found one who is searching for God. Here is another example of Matthew showing the Jews that they are going to lose the kingdom to the Gentiles.

Jesus’ answer to this woman seems odd to us. At first He ignores her, but when she persists, He puts her off by saying that it is not appropriate to give what is intended for the children (the Jews) and give it to the little dogs (the Gentiles). In the Greek there are two different words for “dog.” One word refers to the wild dogs that roamed the streets and were dangerous. The other word, the one Jesus used, referred to the children’s pets. Jesus point was not to disrespect the woman, but to explain to her that His mission was not to the Gentiles. However, by first ignoring her and then giving her such a response, Jesus was able to display her great faith. Nothing would dissuade her. “Yes Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table.” This woman had such faith that she knew that even the “leftovers” of Jesus’ power would be enough to heal her daughter. Her faith had even excelled those in Israel.

The lesson for us is that we need to have this woman’s faith. She was “hungry” for the Lord and what He could do for her. Nothing would keep her from her goal. That is the focus we must have. “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Mt. 5:6).
Berry Kercheville