Mark 7:28

New Living Translation

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.”

For Meditation

O, that I had such faith!

Jesus called it great faith, and when God calls something great, who can challenge it? So, what made the faith of the Canaanite woman so great in the eyes of the Lord?

First, she truly believed that Jesus could deliver her daughter.

Second, she was sure that Jesus would give her audience and agree to her request.

Third, she knew there were obstacles, but she was determined to rise above them to get what she needed. Nobody would stand in the way of her daughter’s healing. Fourth, she knew who she was, a Canaanite with no claim on the privileges and promises of God to His people, the Jews (Matt. 15:24). Though Jesus made this plain to her, she trusted in the mercy and compassion of God to meet her needs.

Fifth, Jesus could say anything to her, and she did not mind. He is the Lord, and everything He said was acceptable to her, a servant. Then again, Jesus alone had what she needed, and no demeaning statement from Him could send her back empty.

Sixth, call it racism or discrimination; she could take it. She had heard, seen, and experienced them all before. The barrage of derogatory statements, name-calling, insinuations, and insults: she had endured them multiple times. Why not from the Son of David? Why could she not take it from the Master physician and miracle worker?

Finally, she was humble, patient, and perseverant – three characteristics of faith that delights the heart of God. She knew she deserved nothing, but mercy and grace could change that.

Humility claims no entitlements, so pride has no grounds before our gracious God. Though we can earnestly plead for what we need, we cannot push the Lord around with our requests. He does things on His terms and time, and those who come to Him must know and respect them. Patience is a virtue before Him in prayer. And finally, we have to stay at it and not give up till heaven opens with the outpouring of His grace.

Jesus commended the Canaanite woman for these qualities and held her faith up as an example of our emulation. The Jews felt so entitled through Abraham – a condition that robbed them of audacious faith, like the Canaanite woman. Their favorite claim on God closed their eyes to the Messiah they had longed for, the Man who walked in their midst and did everything to reveal God’s glory and His Kingdom to them. However, the poor Canaanite looked to Jesus through her needy situation and saw the compassionate Deliverer and Healer.

For her faith, she received an eternal commendation from the Lord and healing for her daughter.

May we also come to Jesus with our brokenness and great need, bearing all things and enduring to receive His mercy and grace for our healing!