Great Faith!

Today's Reading: Matthew 15:21-31

Jesus had gone to Tyre and Sidon for a short ‘vacation’ to rest and to teach his disciples. During this time, a Canaanite woman came to him, begging for help for her demon possessed daughter. Jesus did not answer her. His disciples urged him to send her on her way as she was annoying them. The woman was very persistent, not taking no for an answer. She kneels down and gets in Jesus’ face, pleading for help. “Lord, help me!” [Matt. 15:25 MSG] He continues to ignore her and put her off before saying, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” [Matt. 15:28 MSG] She disagrees, saying, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” [Matt. 15:27 MSG] The Canaanite woman seems to have passed Jesus’ "test." He says to her “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” [Matt. 15:28 MSG] And her daughter was healed at that very moment. 

I think Jesus was trying to get the woman to understand his true identity and meaning. He wanted to make sure she was putting her child’s needs over all others. She recognizes that he is real, he is Jesus. She knew this before the disciples asked her to leave. She refuses to give up, believing her daughter’s possession is just as important as Jesus’ mission to Israel. She believes Jesus can do his work in Israel and still be able to heal her daughter.  She knows he is that powerful. Jesus responds to this strong faith by healing her daughter.  I’m sure the woman was not only overjoyed and thrilled over this, but also a little smug as well. She knew Jesus was capable of this, she just had to prove it to him and herself. 

We can all relate to this. We cry out to God when we need Him. Whether it’s because there is a bill to be paid and money is tight, to heal a loved one, or asking guidance in a difficult situation. Sometimes we think one prayer will do because we believe He "can do it all." Maybe we need to be like the Canaanite woman and beg, plead and persist in our prayers. Having strong, determined faith is what He wants to see. He wants to and will provide for us. We just have to be willing to get on our knees and show Him that we believe in Him and in the amazing power of his healing.  

- Kourtney Sells