Matt 15:21 The Cananite Woman's Faith

[moira]

In Matt 15:21 a woman is calling out to Jesus “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” Jesus says He was “sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” She has to plead with Him three times before He helps her because of her faith.

Why would Jesus turn her down at first? Didn’t He come for all of us? Does He mean that first you have to have great faith in Him? I don’t quite understand this passage. Any help?

 

[Hamilcar]

Hi Moira,

This happens to be one of my favorite parts from Matthew’s Gospel. I’ve always understood the meaning in two ways (and please keep in mind that I’m only a humble layman). First, Jesus’ mission was primarily directed to the Jews. He was after all the fulfilment of all the Hebrew scriptures. His emphasis was on the Chosen People. However, here and in other places, Jesus interacts with non-Jews and we begin to see that God does truly call all peoples. I almost see it as a test for the Canaanite woman. Jesus had denied her any help and even insulted her. And yet her faith was so great that even this did not deter her. Not only did she not take offense, but in her humility she even agreed with Jesus’ assessment and asked for any crumbs that He could spare. Is it any wonder that Jesus remaked so highly of her faith. What a wonderful story and what a wonderful role model. I often wish I could be more like that unnamed woman of faith.

Rodrigo

 

[moira]

Thanks Hamilcar. I thought that’s what it might mean but sometimes I’m just not sure. And you’re right. What a great faith model. My husband and I were talking about this last night and I was telling him that Jesus came first for the Jewish people but a lot of them rejected Him so His message went to the Gentiles, too. And thank goodness because where would we be if we hadn’t been given the Gospel also?

Thanks for responding.

 

[dancus]

Moira: To get a better grip on this perhaps it would help to read John 4. There also Jesus meets a woman, a Samaritan at the well. The Samaritans were Jews but they were despised by other Jews. Perhaps that’s also why Jesus used a Samaritan in the parable of the same name. Hope this helps Dan.