Passionate Pursuit
Matthew 15:21-28 || Mark 7:24-30
“It’s time for dinner.” All the family members gather at the table and take their seats. After a blessing is said, food is passed around, and everyone begins to eat. Conversations, questions, and comments are exchanged among those at the table.
When the meal is over, crumbs remain on the tabletop, and undoubtedly, some have fallen to the floor. Someone has the assigned chore of sweeping the floor. However, if a dog is nearby, those crumbs will quickly disappear.
And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”
- Matthew 15:21-22 (ESV)
Where?
Jesus traveled beyond the borders of Northern Galilee. He led the disciples outside Jewish territory—into Tyre and Sidon—for a time of quiet reflection and teaching. He was beginning to prepare His disciples for the end of His life.
Who?
This story is significant, and the reader should pause to pay close attention. Jesus converses with a Gentile woman who requests that He heal her demon-possessed daughter. She addresses Jesus respectfully, asking for His mercy and calling Him “Lord, Son of David.”
Lord – Jesus wanted her to grasp more about who He was, instead of merely what He could do for her.
Son of David – She recognizes His position, power, and ability to perform miracles.
Disciples: Send her away
But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.”
- Matthew 15:23 (ESV)
The disciples see this woman as a disruption and an intrusion. She is a Gentile woman (this is a significant cultural dynamic) and is crying at Jesus' feet. They do not want her near them or close to Jesus. She is bothersome!
Jesus Speaks
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, help me.”
- Matthew 15:24-25 (ESV)
Jesus tells her He has come to the lost sheep of Israel. She quickly responds with the simple, heartfelt words, “Lord, help me.” I love this reply. Sometimes, we are so weak, weary, and worn that we can only cry out for the Lord’s help.
And He answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.”
- Matthew 15:26-27 (ESV)
Jesus used the gentle word for “dog” and not the harsher word for “scavenger.” Nevertheless, this woman remains determined and fervent. In desperation and with great humility, she pleads her case, reminding Jesus that even dogs eat the crumbs at the Master’s table. She does not shy away from Jesus but engages with Him.
Great is Your Faith
Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
- Matthew 15:28 (ESV)
This woman receives compassionate words of commendation. “O woman, great is your faith!” When she first approached Jesus, He did not answer her. However, driven by a passionate pursuit, she understood that a mere crumb from this man was a complete feast for her. Nothing would deter her from seeking Jesus’ help for her daughter, who had suffered because of this evil spirit.
Head to Heart
In this Gospel narrative, we witness a mother pleading for her daughter to be healed of a demon. She approaches Jesus with humility and respect. Her cry for help is filled with passion and profound brokenness. Jesus engages in meaningful conversation and demonstrates care and compassion for those who come to Him.
Perhaps you find yourself in a difficult place today. Your heart is heavy with the burdens you face. I want to encourage you to say, “Lord, help me.”
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
- Psalm 40:1-3
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