Matthew 15:21-28

²¹ Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. ²² And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.” ²³ But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us.” ²⁴ But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” ²⁵ But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” ²⁶ And He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” ²⁷ But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” ²⁸ Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.

This is an interesting situation. A mother will do anything for her child. This was her chance, she knew Jesus could heal her daughter. She approached Jesus, knowing that as a local woman (not Jewish) her request would not be welcomed. She called out to Him. They tried to move on, but she was desperate. Jesus wanted to be loyal to His mission, but as He listened to this woman He saw someone with great faith. And because of her faith, He healed her daughter. Her faith made the difference. Where are you with your faith? Would your faith convince Jesus to heal someone you love?

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, give me the faith to ask for Your help, and the humility to receive it on Your terms.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB © The Lockman Foundation (www.lockman.org)