Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 1/24/2010

Question
Hey there!

I've heard many different interpretations of Matthew 15:21-28, but many are offering varying and significantly differences. If you could please help clear up Jesus' reaction to the woman's plea for help, that would be greatly appreciated!

"21Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession."

23Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."

24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."

25The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.

26He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

27"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

28Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour."

God Bless,
Chris

Answer
Thanks for writing, Chris.
   My opinion is that this event underscored our Creator's overall timetable of human history.  The Jewish nation was carefully guided to showcase God's relationship with mankind.  Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy given to the Jewish nation.  With the Jewish nation's rejection of Jesus, the temple veil was torn to show that the Way to God was open to the world.
   Daniel 9:24-27 mentions 70 "weeks" for the Jewish nation, and one week is left for God to focus on the Jews again, after the time of the Gentiles is complete (the Church age).
   That said, Jesus seemed to go out of his way (went to the Canaanite woman's region, and to the Samaritan woman at the well) at times to give opportunity for a non-Jew who He knew would persevere with faith/trust in Him.  
   From the beginning in Genesis, God establishes a relationship with people who trust Him enough to follow Him.  God entrusted the Jews with His Word to reveal Himself to mankind, and, through history and prophecy, prepared the way for people to understand His salvation through Jesus.   
   Jeremiah 29:13 "And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart."  Jesus gave the Canaanite woman an opportunity to show her humbleness and reliance on Him.  
   May we have such a good commendation as Jesus gave this woman!
   Priscilla