Knowing The Word in Matthew 15:21-28

The Faith of a Canaanite Woman [A comparison with Mark 7:24-30 shows that Matthew has compressed the exorcism event and expanded the dialogue.]

21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon [Gentile territory on the Mediterranean Sea]. 22 And behold, a Canaanite [only use in NT, reminder of the OT people who opposed the people of God] woman from that region came out and was crying [repeatedly], “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David [striking in the mouth of a Gentile—what has she heard about Jesus?]; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away [after granting her request], for she is crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” [Jesus’ mission is restricted to Israel and is an explanation of his unwelcoming response. She most likely did not hear what Jesus said.] 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” [How can he refuse?] 26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” [At that time Gentiles were called dogs. Jesus is expressing the contemptuous Jewish attitude to Gentiles to explain the limit of his mission. What we do not know is the tone in Jesus’ voice or the look on his face. The point is serious, but that does not mean Jesus says this with a humorless rudeness.] 27 She said, “Yes, Lord [she is actually objecting as in “yes you need to help me”], yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” [Her statement, while recognizing Jesus’ mission to Israel, recognizes that others should share in the blessings of Israel. If she is only a dog, then at least let her have the rations of a dog! Her response is as witty as Jesus’ statement.] 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” [She foreshadows the coming faith of the true Israel to come that transforms nations and cultures.] And her daughter was healed instantly. [This is distance healing. The Prayer of Humble Access from The Book of Common Prayer (below) is based upon this passage from Matthew.]

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful

Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold

and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather

up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord

whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore,

gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ,

and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him,

and he in us. Amen.