HIGHLIGHT
Matthew 15:27–28 (ESV): 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
EXPLAIN
The beginning of this chapter tells of conflict Jesus had with the Pharisees and and scribes over various religious traditions. Jesus explained to the people that what you put in your mouth did not defile you spiritually, but what came out of your mouth was what was ugly and unholy.
Jesus then went away from there to Tyre and Sidon, where mostly Gentiles were. A Canaanite woman approached Jesus for healing for her daughter. Jesus uncharacteristically ignored her and then insulted her. But he seems to have done so on purpose, to make a point to his disciples who appeared to have the same characteristic Jewish prejudice toward Gentiles.
The woman responded with great humility and earnestness. Jesus commander her for her great faith and granted her request.
APPLY
If Jesus were to insult us when we made an earnest request to him, would we respond with humility? Would we persevere till Jesus answered our request?
Another way of asking this question is… do we truly desire Jesus to answer our request, or we are more interested in keeping our respectability, our pride, our independence?
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, increase my faith. May I develop such a faith and confidence in you that I continue to seek you even when you don’t seem to answer or care. For I know of your great love for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.