What does Matthew 15:23 teach about perseverance in faith? Setting the scene “ But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’ ” (Matthew 15:23) • Jesus has left Jewish territory and entered the region of Tyre and Sidon. • A Canaanite woman begs Him to heal her demon-tormented daughter (v. 22). • Instead of replying at once, Jesus remains silent—an unexpected pause that frames the lesson. Why the silence matters • Tests faith, not indifference—Scripture consistently shows the Lord proving genuine trust (Genesis 22:1; 1 Peter 1:6-7). • Draws deeper dependence—the woman must press past feelings, pride, and discouragement. • Reveals motives—silence exposes whether requests spring from mere convenience or committed belief. Disciples’ impatience vs. persevering faith • Disciples: “Send her away.” They prefer quick relief from annoyance rather than engagement in mercy. • Woman: keeps crying out. Her repeated plea demonstrates tenacity that refuses to quit (v. 25 she kneels; v. 27 she answers again). • Contrast shows that perseverance often appears irrational to onlookers but delights the Lord (v. 28). What Matthew 15:23 teaches about perseverance • God’s apparent silence is not God’s absence—faith holds firm when heaven seems quiet. • Perseverance is vocal—she “keeps crying out,” refusing resignation. • Obstacles sharpen faith—disciples’ rejection, cultural barriers, and divine silence become stepping-stones. • The reward lies ahead—Jesus’ eventual commendation “Great is your faith” (v. 28) proves perseverance is never wasted. Verses that echo the same theme • Luke 18:1-8 – persistent widow who “wearies” the judge until she receives justice. • Hebrews 10:35-36 – “You have need of perseverance, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive the promise.” • James 1:3-4 – testing of faith produces endurance, leading to maturity. • Romans 5:3-4 – tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, proven character; proven character, hope. Practical takeaways • Silence is an invitation to press in, not to back off. • Continual prayer—keep asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7-8). • Ignore faith-dampening voices—others may urge you to quit; stay focused on Christ. • Remember past deliverances (Psalm 77:11-12) to bolster present perseverance. • Expect eventual answer—God honors steadfast faith, though timing differs from ours (2 Peter 3:9). In short Matthew 15:23 shows that when heaven seems unresponsive, steadfast faith keeps pleading, trusting that the Lord’s silence is purposeful and temporary. Such perseverance receives the Savior’s commendation and His powerful intervention. |
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