Matthew 15:27

New International Version

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

For Meditation

O, that I had such faith!

Jesus called it great faith. And if God calls something great, you better believe it is indeed. What made the faith of the Canaanite woman so great in the eyes of the Lord?

She believed Jesus could deliver her daughter, so she went for help. With that faith, she convinced herself that Jesus would give her audience and agree to her request. There were obstacles. Yet she was determined to rise above them to get what she needed. She came to Jesus for her daughter’s healing and would get it. The disciples could hinder her.

Knowing and embracing your identity is helpful. This woman knew who she was, a Canaanite, and she accepted it. She presumed no claim on the privileges and promises of God to His people, the Jews. Though Jesus made this plain to her (24), she trusted in the mercy and compassion of God to meet her needs.

Jesus could say anything to her without offense (26). 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 would push her away from Him.

Call it racism or discrimination; the Canaanite woman could take it. She had heard, seen, and experienced worse things from others, so why not from the Son of David? A statement that could have sent many of us steaming and screaming away from Jesus drew a profound response that revealed her faith and commendation from the Lord (27).

The woman exhibited three qualities of faith that touch the heart of God and receive from Him – humility, patience, and perseverance. She knew she deserved nothing but mercy and grace.

Humility claims no entitlements from our gracious God, so pride has no grounds before Him. We can plead for what we need. However, none can make the Lord do what He is not ready for. God operates on His own terms and schedule. Everyone who comes to Him must, therefore, know and respect them. Patience is a virtue before Him in prayer (Rm. 12:12).

Finally, we must stay at it and not give up (Lk. 18:1-8). Joy awaits after our struggles, thanks to God’s goodness and kindness.

Jesus commended the Canaanite woman for these qualities and held her faith up as an example for our emulation (Matt. 15:28). The Jews lacked such faith, though they had first claim on Jesus. They felt so entitled through Abraham that it closed their eyes to the Messiah they had longed for. But, 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 every suffering to receive His mercy and grace for our healing.

Shalom