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
In the eyes of everyone else, the Canaanite woman does not deserve Jesus’ attention. She is a Gentile, an outsider, a woman. Besides, she yells for his attention. It can be annoying to deal with people when they get in your face like that! Why should she receive God’s mercy? Jesus surprises his disciples with his willingness to respond to the faith of a woman who appears out of nowhere.
The opportunity for ministry can present itself when we least expect it. I remember Tim, a disheveled young man who came to church, seeking a pastor to visit his wife who was dying in the hospital. My instincts told me to be careful, but I sensed a real need and he had been turned away from several churches. I agreed to meet him at the hospital to pray with his wife. I am glad I did. His wife died that day, but Tim’s faith in God was born.
Prayer
God of Mercy, we pray for hearts of compassion as we respond to the faith and needs around us. Amen.