When we have a desperate need, and there is really only one source to go to for help, the last thing we want to hear is “No” for an answer. This is especially true if the help we need is for a very dear loved one. We will go to any length to help them, sometimes even refusing to accept that “No”. In our Scripture today we will meet a mother who would do anything for her daughter’s health and well-being except to accept the word “No”. We’ll see how the Lord Jesus tested her faith, and if she passed that test. Let’s take a look.
As we begin, we see that Jesus and His disciples had gone to the region of the two Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon, right along the Mediterranean coast. (Today they are in southern Lebanon). This was Gentile territory, which would be significant as just earlier in the chapter there had been a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees about external traditions and internal purity. The Jewish people at this time, particularly the Pharisees, considered the Gentiles impure, and being around them, talking to them, and particularly going into a Gentile’s home, would make one unclean. A good Jew would avoid going to a Gentile city unless one had very urgent business. However, this was where Jesus took His disciples.
While there, a Canaanite woman approached Jesus, crying out for Him to have mercy on her and her daughter (vs. 21-22). She used Jesus’ Messianic title, “Son of David”, which was remarkable for a Gentile to use. She based her desire for His help, not on any sense of entitlement as she knew she had none, but instead on the mercy that she had heard He had for those in need. Her daughter was possessed by a demon, and she must have heard that Jesus had cast many demons out of people before. This mother recognized that Jesus had authority over them, and now approached him with both humility and desperation.
Jesus, however, did not respond to her cries (vs. 23). This mother must have followed Him around for hours, as after a while the disciples asked Jesus if He would just send her away, as she must have started to seem like a pest. Why was He silent? Some have had the audacity to say that this woman taught Jesus a lesson in compassion. Our Savior does not need any lessons in compassion! He was not being cruel! Jesus was testing this woman, testing her faith by delaying His answer. He was drawing her deeper, to reveal the sincerity of her heart. God’s silence is not a rejection. It is often preparation.
Genuine seekers who have not yet obtained the blessing can find comfort in this passage. The Savior did not immediately bestow the blessing, even though the woman had great faith in Him. Although it is true that faith brings peace, it does not always bring it instantaneously. God may have certain reasons for faith to be tested rather than immediately rewarded.
When He did respond, Jesus clarified to the woman what His mission was (vs. 24). He affirmed the order of God’s redemptive plan - Israel first, and then the Gentiles. This does not exclude the Gentiles. God initially went to the people of Israel with His message of salvation, and then they were to take it to the rest of the world. Christ’s earthly ministry focused on Israel, but His ultimate mission includes all nations.
This mother was not going to be put off! (vs. 25). Her daughter needed help, and she knew that Jesus was the only One who could help her! Again, Jesus’ answer sounded a little bit harsh, however He was still testing her (vs. 26). Dogs here refers to the small, household pets, not the wild scavengers that frequently roamed the ancient Middle East. He was testing her humility, drawing out a confession of faith that aligned with God’s order, not insulting her. This woman must accept God’s plan before receiving God’s blessing.
In response, she gave a humble, but brilliant response (vs. 27). She agreed with Jesus. She did not argue for equality, she argued for mercy. She believed that even a crumb of Jesus’ power would be enough to heal her daughter. This woman knew that Jesus was so fine a divine housekeeper that there would be plenty of bread on His table. There would be such an abundance for the children that there would be crumbs to throw on the floor for the puppy dogs, and the children would fare none the worse that the puppies are fed. Even though her daughter needed a demon cast out, she believed that Jesus was so powerful that it would be nothing for Him, only a crumb.
Jesus rarely said that someone had great faith, but He said that to this mother (vs. 28). She persevered through silence, and accepted God’s order. She trusted in His mercy and refused to let go until she received His blessing. As a reward, her daughter was healed instantly, demonstrating Jesus’ authority over demons, and His willingness to bless Gentiles who come in faith.
People today get so easily offended all too often! They are offended that Jesus seemed to call her a dog! They close their eyes to the lessons that God wants to teach us. Fortunately, this mother didn’t get offended. She kept coming back, and Jesus rewarded that. This mother opened her soul very wide, expecting great things of Jesus, and He filled it with His love.
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