Matthew 15:21-28 (Canaanite Woman's Faith)

In the Gospel of Mark, she is called the Syrophoenician Woman (7.24f). During one of his travels, Jesus is walking in the northeastern region along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. While there, a local woman comes to Jesus because her daughter is deathly ill, tormented by a demon. Jesus' response is surprising to us. He avoids her (v.23). When she persists with louder plea for help, Jesus throws out a discouraging reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs" (vv.24-26). Wow. Just wow. Harsh words. Did he just call her a dog?

She doesn't let those words hurt her, even though I bet they did. That's because her daughter needs help and she is certain Jesus has the power to heal. And so she begs at the one that has just put her down, "Yes, Lord." I bet that was hard to say. "yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table" (v.27).

Jesus is smiling now. She has passed the faith test. I want to talk about this more later. But he declares, "Woman!" She is no longer a dog. "Great is your faith!" And with those words, the demon is cast out and her child is healed completely.

I wonder how the disciples are reacting to this...And this is important, because Jesus was teaching two groups this day -- the Canaanite woman, and his disciples.

I want to try to make sense of Jesus' initial reaction to the Canaanite woman. What's with his harsh words of discrimination? It's so unlike him to do so. No, he wouldn't do it because he doesn't believe what he said. So why did he do it? Why did he call her a dog and that she doesn't deserve his attention? Many believe Jesus' motive was to test her faith and she came through with flying colors, "Great is your faith!" But I think that's only half of his motivation. He had another audience beside him -- his disciples.

Jesus was certainly repeating the generally held view of the Jews. In this case, his words are in accord with the view of the disciples that surround him. That is why they agree with Jesus, "Send her away!" And when Jesus called her a dog, I bet the disciples were nodding in approval. "That's right Jesus! Tell her off!" I can see them encouraging him. But the woman doesn't back off. Her persistence changes Jesus! It's as if Jesus turns to his disciples as he shouts, "Woman! How great is your faith!" Look, she's not a dog. She has great faith! And I am going to do what she asks. That's because I have also come for her. From this perspective, Jesus is teaching the nationalistic disciples that Jesus is the Savior of the world!

1) The disciples and the Jews. The Jews in the time of Jesus held onto a sense of entitlement calling themselves "God's children" while others weren't. And if others weren't God's children, then they are less...they are dogs. But the true plan of God from Abraham on was for the Israelites to be "God's children" so that God can use them to reach the world. There were called to be a blessing to others. We see that clearly with the story of Jonah and God's desire for the Gentiles to receive God's love and mercy. In the story, Jonah reflects the erroneous selfishness of the Jews - You are our God! And I refuse to go to the Ninevites and share You with them!

Not much had changed by the time of Jesus. The Jews prided themselves on being called God's children. But then they turned around and called others "dogs." That's not the way God wanted it. For the Creator God, the Canaanite was his child just as a Jew was his child.

By speaking from their discrimination and error, Jesus was teaching his disciples, and later Jewish readers the harshness of their position, but also that if Jesus came to the Jews first, he would be going to the Gentiles next. And they more than deserve it -- look at the woman! What great faith she's got! She's no dog.

In some way, we can replace the Jews with us Americans. We certainly feel privileged and so sing, "God Bless America!" We certainly are blessed. Founded upon Christian values and faith, God has been good to us. And like the Jews, we are to go forth and bless others. That's a command. And there are so many that need Jesus!

2) The Canaanite woman was certainly tested by Jesus. But really, it was not so much of a test, as a proof of her faith. I bet she didn't know how much faith she possessed. She knew Jesus could heal her daughter, but she didn't know how much she was willing to let herself go for it. Jesus showed her the greatness of her faith. He refused her. He rejected her. He rudely called her names. But she clung on. When Jesus exclaimed, "Woman, great is your faith!" I think she went, "Really? Oh, that's true!"

Our faith is shown in moments of crisis, in desperate need. How much are we willing to trust God? Even when we feel rejected by God and spurned by Him, how much are we willing to say, "No matter what, you are the one I trust!"

Philippines 2006. Visit to a local prison (talk of overcrowded jails?)

Sometimes God places crises in our lives to cultivate faith. Cling onto God and allow God to reveal your great faith. And sometimes, God calls us to let go of what we have so that we come to a place of need. Don't you worry. That's a great time to cultivate your faith! That's a chance for you to hear, "Woman, Man, My daughter, My son, great is your faith!"