Matthew 15:21-28
She was a mother, weary because of the affliction of her daughter, who was suffering terribly from ‘demon-possession (verse 22). Mark calls this women a Syrophoenician (see Mark 7:24-30), after her country of Phoenicia. Her culture and language was probably Greek. It’s interesting that she addresses Jesus as Son of David in verse 22, because it’s almost certain she was now Jewish.
Mark 7:24 tells us that Jesus did not wish to have His presence known, yet He could not keep it secret. Somehow this woman heard that Jesus was near. She must have been hearing about the wonderful miracles that Jesus was doing. When she heard He was near, she wasted no time in seeking him out. She came to Him, crying out, begging Jesus to show her mercy because her daughter was suffering so terribly.
What happens next, is something we haven’t seen before. Matthew says that Jesus did not answer a word until His disciples urged Him to Send her away (verse 23). Finally Jesus says to this woman, I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.
A determined mother does not give up so easily. Does She? Gee, I don’t like not calling this woman by her name. Since I don’t know her name, I’m going to give her one. I looked up names that mean determined. All I could come up with is Leon (Arabic-means determined). We can’t call her Leon, so we’ll just have to call her Leona. Now I feel better.
Matthew 15:25-26 says that Leona came and knelt before Jesus, and Jesus replied with, it’s not right to take children’s bread and toss it to their dogs. Our Jesus, He certainly has picturesque speech. If we just read this with our eyes, we might come to the conclusion that Jesus was being rude to this woman. After all, He did say that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel and it’s not right to take their bread. In Mark 7:27 He says, First let the children eat all they want. I’m not going to reason why Jesus said these things, or question His reasons.
I will say that Leona showed her determination again. She probably knew she had no claim on the the Messiah. What Leona said, and asked, next is something only most mothers (parents) would ask for, for their child. Leona said, Yes Lord, but even the dogs under the table get to eat the crumbs. She said, (phrased by me), I know what you are lavishing on your people and I would not take the food from them, but isn’t there just a crumb for my daughter? Matthew 15:27
Matthew says that Jesus saw this woman’s faith. Mark says that Leona’s reply touched Jesus. Whether you want to say her faith was great or her need was great, is immaterial. Jesus saw a weary, determined, faithful mother with a need. Leona chose to have faith and was determined to take her need to Jesus. This choice changed things in Leona’s life. She found a way, when there seemed to be no way.
Thought to Ponder
Faith changes things, life. Faith turns maybe into probably, no into a yes, and unbelief into belief! In what ways, has your faith changed your life? Write down your answers.
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Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted. And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matthew 15:28
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