When someone says something that might be construed as a little harsh or seemingly hurtful, how do we react? Are we very sensitive and act offended? Do we shut down and turn away, our sensitive feelings hurt? Are we quick to take offense with other’s comments to us? In our Gospel account from Matthew, we read of a woman who would have lost out on a significant blessing from God if she had been overly-sensitive and turned away offended like so many of us.
As Matthew begins our Scripture passage, Jesus and His disciples have left the land of Israel briefly, going to the vicinity of the Gentile cities of Tyre and Sidon in Phoenicia (vs. 21). This was about a 45 - 50 mile trip away from the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was probably seeking a couple of days away with the disciples for a time of seclusion, to rest away from the crowds.
While here a Gentile woman of Canaanite descent sought the help of Jesus for her daughter who was possessed by a demon. Word of Jesus’ healing and teaching ministry had traveled far, and people along the coasts, as far as Lebanon and perhaps further, had heard of Him. When this woman heard that Jesus was actually in town, she quickly sought Him out. Her heart ached for the terrible condition her daughter was in, and she knew that Jesus could help her.
However, instead of bringing healing and deliverance to her and her daughter, Jesus seemingly ignored her. As she continued to plead with Him, the disciples were annoyed and wanted Jesus to send her away (vs. 23). She was a Gentile, and they wanted nothing to do with her. At this time the disciples were prejudiced against her background, and also had no compassion for her need, thinking she was bothering them with her persistent pleading.
When Jesus finally does respond to her, He tells her that He was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (vs. 24). Did that mean that she shouldn’t expect any help from Him, that she was nothing to Him, and she best just go home? Jesus was saying that the Jews were to have the first opportunity to accept Him as the Messiah because God wanted them to present the message of salvation to the rest of the world.
This woman had faith and was not going to be put off. She knew Jesus was her only hope, calling Him Lord (vs. 25). However the response she was next told is one that would have offended many, leading many sensitive people to give up and turn away. Jesus told her that the children’s food should not be given to dogs (vs. 26). Many Jews of that day thought of Gentiles as dogs, the type of canine that roamed wild in the streets, like jackals, not household pets. The word here was one of a household pet. Jesus reflected, momentarily, the Jewish attitude towards Gentiles, so as to contrast it with His own. The woman didn’t argue, or take offense, going away angrily. She would be willing to be considered a puppy dog as long as she could receive God’s blessings for her daughter (vs. 28). Jesus’ comments, though sounding harsh and insensitive, were said to test her faith. She knew what could be hers, even as a Gentile. Jesus then commends her faith, though she is a Gentile, just as He commended the faith of the Gentile centurion in Matthew 8:5-10.
This woman knew that Jesus was Master at the abundant table of grace. She knew His table was abundantly filled, more than enough for the children, that ample crumbs and pieces could fall from the table onto the floor for the puppies. Though her need was a great one, she had such high esteem for Jesus that this would be no problem for Him. Only a crumb was needed. She opened her needy soul wide, expecting great things from Jesus, and He filled it.
Some genuine prayers do not obtain the blessings right away. Her prayers were good. She had much need. She was sincere, and she had such great faith, enough that Jesus marveled. Sometimes He is silent for a while so that our faith grows. Even though Jesus gave her nothing but silence at first, this woman persisted. She did not give up, defeated. Nor did she take offense at a remark that Jesus made. She was not super-sensitive. Had she been, she would not have received her blessing, and her daughter would have continued to suffer. Are we missing out on blessings because we get too offended or misinterpret people’s words? Let’s keep our faith strong and remember that Jesus loved this woman as much as He did anyone, and He loves us, as well.
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