But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." But Jesus did not answer a word.This silence from Jesus can be seen as a test of faith, both for the woman and the disciples. In the context of Jewish tradition, silence can be a powerful tool for teaching and reflection. Jesus' lack of immediate response may also highlight the cultural tensions between Jews and Gentiles, as the woman was a Canaanite. This moment echoes other instances in Scripture where God’s silence is a precursor to a greater revelation or miracle, such as in the story of Job or the period of silence before the birth of Christ. Mat 27:12-14 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders,… So His disciples came and urged Him, The disciples' reaction reflects their discomfort and perhaps their own cultural biases. In the Jewish context, interactions with Gentiles were often limited, and the disciples may have been influenced by societal norms. Their urging suggests a desire to maintain social boundaries, yet it also sets the stage for Jesus to teach them about the inclusivity of His mission. This moment is reminiscent of other times when the disciples misunderstood Jesus' intentions, such as when they rebuked those bringing children to Him. Mat 14:15 When evening came, the disciples came to Him… “Send her away, The disciples' request to send the woman away indicates their lack of understanding of Jesus' mission to all people, not just the Jews. This reflects a common theme in the Gospels where the disciples struggle to grasp the full scope of Jesus' ministry. The phrase can also be seen as a test for the woman, challenging her persistence and faith. It parallels other instances where Jesus initially seems to reject a request, only to later fulfill it in a way that demonstrates His power and compassion. Mrk 5:17 And the people began to beg Jesus to leave their region. for she keeps crying out after us.” The woman's persistence is a key element in this narrative, demonstrating her faith and desperation. Her continual crying out is reminiscent of the persistent widow in Luke 18, who also received what she sought through perseverance. This persistence is a model of faith for believers, showing that earnest and unwavering prayer can lead to divine intervention. The cultural context of a woman publicly pleading with a Jewish rabbi would have been unusual, highlighting her desperation and the breaking of social norms to seek help from Jesus. Mrk 10:47-48 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus- The central figure in this passage, Jesus is approached by a Canaanite woman seeking healing for her daughter. His initial response is silence, which sets the stage for a deeper lesson on faith and persistence. 2. Canaanite Woman - A Gentile woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon who approaches Jesus with a desperate plea for her demon-possessed daughter. Her interaction with Jesus highlights themes of faith and perseverance. 3. Disciples - The followers of Jesus who urge Him to send the woman away, reflecting their initial lack of understanding of Jesus' mission to all people, not just the Jews. 4. Tyre and Sidon - Regions known for their Gentile populations, emphasizing the cross-cultural nature of this encounter and foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the Gospel message. 5. Demon-Possessed Daughter - The afflicted child of the Canaanite woman, whose condition prompts her mother's plea to Jesus, illustrating the power of intercessory prayer and faith. Teaching Points The Silence of GodSometimes, God’s silence is a test of our faith and perseverance. Like the Canaanite woman, we must continue to seek Him even when He seems silent. Faith Beyond Boundaries True faith transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. The Canaanite woman’s faith was recognized by Jesus, showing that God’s grace is available to all who believe. Intercessory Prayer The woman’s plea for her daughter teaches us the power and importance of intercessory prayer. We should persistently pray for others, trusting in God’s mercy and power. Understanding Jesus’ Mission The disciples’ initial reaction reflects a limited understanding of Jesus’ mission. We are called to embrace the full scope of the Gospel, which is for all people. Persistence in Faith The Canaanite woman’s persistence is a model for us. We should not be discouraged by initial setbacks or silence but continue to trust in God’s goodness and timing. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Canaanite woman’s approach to Jesus challenge our understanding of faith and persistence in prayer?2. In what ways can we relate to the disciples’ initial reaction to the woman, and how can we grow in our understanding of Jesus’ inclusive mission? 3. How does the account of the Canaanite woman encourage us to pray for others, especially those who seem far from God? 4. What can we learn from Jesus’ response to the Canaanite woman about the nature of God’s grace and mercy? 5. How can we apply the lessons of this passage to our interactions with people from different cultural or religious backgrounds? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 8:5-13The faith of the Roman centurion, another Gentile, is commended by Jesus, showing that faith is not limited to the Jewish people. Mark 7:24-30 A parallel account of the Canaanite woman's account, providing additional context and details. Romans 1:16 Paul speaks of the Gospel being for both Jews and Gentiles, reinforcing the theme of inclusivity in Jesus' ministry. Hebrews 11:6 Emphasizes the importance of faith in pleasing God, which is demonstrated by the Canaanite woman's persistence. People Canaanitish, David, Isaiah, Jesus, PeterPlaces Genneseret, Jerusalem, Magadan, Sea of Galilee, Sidon, TyreTopics Asking, Begged, Behind, Besought, Cries, Crieth, Crying, Disciples, Dismiss, Implored, Interposed, Keeps, Saying, Shouting, UrgedDictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 15:21-28 2042 Christ, justice of 4134 demons, exorcism Library Mother's LoveEversley, Second Sunday in Lent, 1872. St Matthew xv. 22-28. "And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons Crumbs and the Bread On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence, and Withdrew into the Parts of Tyre and Sidon. And Behold, a Canaanitish Woman," The Perseverance of Faith Genesis xxvii. 38 Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots. Second Withdrawal from Herod's Territory. Another Avoiding of Herod's Territory. Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover. Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter. The Deaf Stammerer Healed and Four Thousand Fed. Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory. The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. ' Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician Woman A Group of Miracles among a Semi-Heathen Population The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from Heaven' - Journey to Cæsarea Philippi - what is the Leaven of The Intercourse of Jesus with the Pagans and the Samaritans. To the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. Introductory Note. Manifestly Also in the Gospel we Find the Mouth of the Heart... Prayers on Pilgrimage. --"Lord Help Me. " --Matt. xv. 25 Luther's Fourth Preface The Woman of Canaan Links Matthew 15:23 NIVMatthew 15:23 NLT Matthew 15:23 ESV Matthew 15:23 NASB Matthew 15:23 KJV Matthew 15:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |