Matthew 15: 21-28
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.”
Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
The woman came and knelt before him, “Lord, help me!” she said.
He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
“Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
A Thought
God’s plan was to offer salvation to the world first to the Jewish nation. They were then to offer the same grace and salvation to all people. All people other than Jews were referred to as dogs, the unclean without the same legal rights as the Jews. This Canaanite woman who had seen her daughter suffer under the influence of the devil was desperate, respectful, persistent, humble, worshipful and full of faith in Jesus. There are many people in our society today that need someone to stand in the gap for them to be set free from the many forms of demon-possession, Do you know someone that fits this description? Do you love them enough to knell in faith, not giving up, for them to be set free?
Our Prayer
Father thank you that salvation and healing has been made available to all people. Awaken us to see the needs of others and to love them enough to faithfully pray and give them the good news of the gospel that can set them free–to be reconciled back to you, in Jesus’ name, amen.
