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The Faith of a Gentile Woman

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”

But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.

 

This scripture sometimes referenced as the “The Faith of a Canaanite Women” is so applicable for today’s world so let me set the stage for my take on the scripture. First the situation for Jesus had been defending his disciples' actions regarding defiling themselves and explaining that they should ignore the Pharisees because they are blind guides. He seems to need a break from the Pharisees questioning. He then gets more requests for help from a Gentile woman. Then Jesus doesn’t reply. What does this mean? Is he hoping that he can ignore her like the Pharisees. Maybe Jesus is testing the women and his disciples?

Jesus listens, then questions and she respectfully answers his question demonstrating her faith and belief in the Lord. Three requests by the Gentile women and she is heard. Then her faith creates the response from Jesus that she was hoping and praying for, your requested is granted.

So how does this all fit into today’s world. We get requests all the time when we are busy with other things. Earthly things that seem important. But are they? We have requests by the Church to volunteer or to contribute and they don’t seem to fit into our plans. However, should we consider making room for them in our life. I hope I do that. I reflect on how I spend my time and believe I could do more with my time on earth.

Lord Jesus, let us reflect and consider how we can serve your will and seek to understand how we can serve your mission of loving others. Let us take a moment to think about the people in our life and reach out to them with love and compassion.

Matt Ward Wardmus79@mac.com