What is the meaning of Matthew 15:25? The woman came • Matthew situates this Syrophoenician/Canaanite mother in territory outside Israel (v. 21). Her deliberate movement toward Jesus shows faith that crosses ethnic and cultural barriers (cf. Mark 7:24-25). • Like the Samaritan woman in John 4:7-9, she refuses to let past hostility keep her from the only One who can save. • Hebrews 4:16 invites everyone to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” and that is exactly what she does. • Her coming illustrates Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” and knelt before Him • Kneeling pictures humility and worship. Matthew consistently portrays true faith bowing before Christ: – The healed leper: “a man with leprosy came and knelt before Him” (Matthew 8:2). – Jairus: “a synagogue ruler… knelt before Him” (Matthew 9:18). • Philippians 2:10 reminds us that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” This woman’s posture anticipates that universal submission. • Her kneeling also signals persistence. She has already been met with silence (v. 23) and apparent refusal (v. 24), yet she doubles down in supplication rather than walking away (Luke 18:1-7). “Lord, help me!” she said • The prayer is brief but packed with faith, acknowledging Jesus as “Lord” (cf. Romans 10:13). • It mirrors Peter’s desperate cry, “Lord, save me!” when sinking on the sea (Matthew 14:30), proving that simple, sincere petitions reach Christ’s heart. • Psalm 121:1-2 declares, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” She believes that, even for her Gentile need. • Her plea is maternal; she seeks deliverance for her tormented daughter (v. 22). Like the centurion interceding for his servant (Matthew 8:5-13), she exemplifies vicarious faith—trusting Jesus on behalf of another. summary Matthew 15:25 captures a model approach to the Savior: come to Him personally, bow in humble worship, and cry out with trusting urgency. Jesus hears, responds, and ultimately honors such persevering faith, proving again that He is the compassionate Lord for Jew and Gentile alike. |
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