The Test

21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly."
23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."
24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."
25 The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.
26 He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs."
27 "Yes it is, Lord," she said. "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table."
28 Then Jesus said to her, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Matthew 15:21-28


The region of Tyre and Sidon was approximately 30 – 40 miles north of Jerusalem where Jesus had previously been and so, back in those days it was no easy or quick task to travel such a distance. Knowing this, it is evident that Jesus did not just stumble across this area but that He intentionally went to meet this Canaanite woman, even though his first words to her would suggest otherwise. To understand Jesus’ initial response, you will need to dig a bit deeper into the conflict that had been present for some time between the Israelites and the Canaanites. What is clear though in reading the text is that Jesus was testing the Faith of this Canaanite woman and that her faith proved more than genuine. The persistent and humble approach of this woman can teach us a great lesson about how you and I approach God. Even in the worst of circumstances, Jesus longs for us as his children to come to Him, day after day after day in an effort to be restored and comforted by His love and grace. Be persistent today in your pursuit of God as it may be in your relentless and humble approach that you will find a miracle.