What can we learn from the Canaanite woman's approach to Jesus in Matthew 15:28? Matthew 15:28—A Turning-Point Verse “Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Hallmarks of the Woman’s Approach to Jesus - Recognized His identity: “Lord, Son of David” (v 22)—a Messianic title that even many Israelites were slow to confess. - Came with urgent intercession for another, not herself (v 22). - Persisted when met with silence (v 23); she refused to interpret delay as denial. - Worshiped while asking: “She came and knelt before Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’” (v 25). - Accepted her unworthiness: “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (v 27), showing humility without resentment. - Demonstrated reverent boldness—clung to His mercy while respecting His mission focus on Israel (vv 24-26). Why Jesus Calls It “Great Faith” - Trust rested solely on His character, not on her status (cf. Hebrews 11:6). - Faith grew under testing; silence and seeming refusal only deepened her reliance (cf. James 1:3-4). - Grasped that even “crumbs” of His power are enough—confidence in His sufficiency (cf. Ephesians 3:20). - Reflected spiritual insight uncommon in Israel at the time; similar commendation given only to the centurion (Matthew 8:10). Lessons We Can Take Home - Humble approach opens the door to grace (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6). - Persevering prayer is expected, not optional (Luke 18:1-8). - True worship and petition belong together; bowing precedes asking (Philippians 4:6). - Intercession for others pleases the Lord; He responds to faith expressed on another’s behalf (1 Timothy 2:1). - Even when God seems silent, stay under His authority and keep pleading—silence may be the stage for a greater revelation. - Great faith is not measured by lineage, knowledge, or position, but by wholehearted trust in Jesus and persistence that will not let go until He blesses (Genesis 32:26). Walking Out These Truths Today - Address Jesus as Lord, acknowledging His absolute authority before presenting needs. - Bring the needs of family, friends, and even enemies boldly to Him. - Refuse to give up when answers delay; keep pressing in until His timing is revealed. - Cultivate humility—remember we come as undeserving recipients of grace, not entitled claimants. - Celebrate every “crumb” of God’s kindness; small mercies today prepare us for larger ones tomorrow. The Result of Such Faith Just as the Canaanite woman left with her daughter restored “from that very hour,” lives are still changed when we combine humility, persistence, and unwavering confidence in Christ’s mercy. |
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