Matthew 15: 21-28 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 15: 21-28 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Verse 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." Verse 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." Verse 24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Verse 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." Verse 26He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." Verse 27She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Verse 28Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.
Devotion
Did she change Jesus’ mind? The Canaanite woman approaches Jesus and asks for mercy for her daughter. At first, Jesus seems reluctant. He does not even answer her the first time she asks. She asks again. This woman is persistent. She wants her daughter to be healed and she is willing to risk rejection.
Finally, Jesus speaks: “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” If Jesus said that to me today, I do not know if I would have the humility to respond kindly. And yet in that moment, the Canaanite woman responds with faith. She believes Jesus can offer her even a small portion of the mercy he has to give. And he does.
Prayer
God of Mercy, please hear our persistent prayers and grant us the gift of faith in you. Amen.