Matthew 15:21-28, A Woman of Great Faith

Ministry to the Gentiles was ALWAYS in the plan of God.  In Rom. 15:8-12 Paul quotes from Psalm 18:49, Deut. 32:43, Ps. 117:1 and Isa. 11:1,10 to confirm this fact.  It was in the Abrahamic Covenant, that Abraham would be a blessing to the nations (Gen. 12:1-3).  At the time of Jesus’ birth Simeon said that Jesus was for “all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles” (Lk. 2:30-32; from Isaiah 49:6). 

Thus, we are not surprised that Jesus began to break down the barriers against Gentiles in the minds of the Twelve.  Jesus is in the region of Tyre and Sidon, in the area of Phoenicia, outside the jurisdiction of Herod, a Gentile area NW of Jerusalem (W of Galilee).  Mk 7:26 calls her a "Syro-Phoenician".  Matthew refers to her as "a woman of Canaan", the very people who were to be supplanted by Israel back in the days of Joshua.  Jesus is making it clear to His disciples that there is a place in His ministry (and thus theirs) for Gentiles.

And why not?  This woman and the story tell us some things about the nations, including my nation today (and yours). 

·        Jesus went to the Gentiles, v21.  Clearly Jesus understands that His ministry is to the lost sheep of Israel.  But He goes to this area to train His disciples.

·        Gentiles need mercy, v22. The problem with the woman’s daughter is a spiritual one; she is demon-possessed.  She is under the domination of the wicked one. 

·        Gentiles need preachers, v23-24.  This scene is powerful.  At first Jesus says nothing to the woman.  This seems to embolden the disciples to tell Jesus to do what they have been trained to do since infancy.  Jews maintain a physical separation from Gentiles.  But Jesus’ silence is not the same as the disciples’ prejudice.  It is not time to begin a ministry of miracles among the Gentiles.  The miracles are signs for the people of Israel.  The great outreach to the Gentiles (the Church) awaits the cross and Israel’s rejection of the gospel in the early Church when the rule will be, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16-17). 

·        Gentiles must come to Christ by faith, v25-28.  Jesus cannot ignore saving faith, whether from Jews or Gentiles.  This is not the first time He has responded to a Gentile’s faith (e.g. Mt. 8:5-13, healing the centurion’s servant). 

o   There is something special about v25.  The word “worshipped” means to kiss the hand in a reverential way.  It could refer to kneeling or lying prostrate before Jesus.  She demonstrated submission to Jesus and called Him “LORD”. 

o   This led to a conversation in which she expressed true faith.  Remember, we are in the time before the cross and resurrection.  As Jesus told the Samaritan woman, salvation is of the Jews.  Gentiles come to Christ through Israel.  If that offends someone, then they cannot believe for salvation.  The woman is not offended.  She embraces this truth.  And she embraces the greatness of Christ when she recognizes she only needs a crumb and her daughter will be healed.