| 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.” (Matthew 15:22) |
In Matthew 15, we read of Jesus’ first journey with his disciples outside of Israel. They traveled to Tyre and Sidon in Canaanite country. Jesus was approached by a Gentile woman who asked Him to cure her daughter who has been possessed by evil spirits. Jesus did not respond to her. Thinking His silence signaled rejection the disciples implored Jesus not to grant the woman’s request so she would go away and leave them. Jesus responded that His ministry was for the Jews not the Gentiles. He articulated an attitude of prejudice that was common during that time. Again, she pleaded with Him saying “Lord help me.” Jesus’ response was unusual. “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” The woman did not hesitate. She responded that even the dogs get crumbs from the children’s table. Jesus realizing her faith was great granted her wish and her daughter was immediately cured.
Jesus’ silence may have been a test of the woman’s faith and perseverance. Jesus tested Abraham’s faith when he told him to sacrifice his son Isaac. The disciples’ faith was tested while crossing the water hen the storm arose. David fought Goliath and was exiled before he became king. A test of faith allows spiritual growth and clarification of our true intent in our petitions to God.
Several things are notable about this Syrophoenician woman. Not only did she demonstrate great faith, but she was also humble. When she spoke to Jesus the first time, she referred to him as “…thou son of David.” When Jesus did not respond she continued to petition Him not out of a sense of frustration because He appeared to ignore her, but by becoming even more humble and referring to him as ‘Lord.’ She approached Jesus humbly addressing Him with respect as her master. She was also tenacious. Jesus seemed to ignore her, then He referred to the Canaanites as dogs. Here we see an uncharacteristic side of Jesus, but she did not allow that reference to deter her. Instead, she used Jesus’ own words to make her point. She understood the intent of what He was saying, but she was not going to give up on making her petition as she sought her daughter’s healing. Jesus’ silence and then His words appear harsh in response to this woman’s petition. However, we see that her humbleness, persistence, and wisdom were rewarded. Her faith in Jesus caused her to be bold in her asking. She may even have ‘bested’ Jesus in their debate and added some perspective to His mission as the savior.[1] She did not give up on having Jesus cure her child.
Biblical Principles
- The woman came to Jesus seeking for healing for her daughter even though she was not a Gentile. (Matt 15:22)
- Jesus’ rebuke of the woman was harsh but a reflection of the Jews’ attitude toward Gentiles. (Mat. 15:24)
- Jesus’ disciples encouraged Jesus to rebuke the woman for they did not understand Jesus’s mission (Matt. 15:23)
- Jesus’ rejection of the woman served to test her faith. (Matt. 15:28)
- The woman’s tenacity and humility were rewarded in her daughter’s healing. (Matt 15:28)
For Women Today
We come to God believing He has a plan for us. Our faith should make us bold in our petitions to God, but we must also be humble enough to accept what we may interpret as God’s “silence” when our prayers are not answered. His silence does not mean He is not listening. When God does grant our petition, it comes at the right time and according to God’s plan for us. If our petition is not granted, it means God has something else in store for us. Something that will fulfill His plan for us.
| If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7) | |
| [1] Thurston, B. (1998). Women in the New Testament. |