A desperate Canaanite woman begs Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus shows compassion to an individual that historically an enemy of the Jews, the same way he had compassion on the large group of over 5000, which he healed and fed. Like the woman, we desperately do anything to provide for our children. But what is it that we desperately try to provide for them? Worldly things and values or that which Jesus teaches is valuable? The disciples struggled with accepting the Canaanite woman and wanted to send her on her way. How many people do we deem at church to be uncomfortable and wish to send away? The woman persists to seek after Jesus despite discouragement. She had to put aside her self-importance in order to ask the Lord of the universe to give the good she needed. How many times have we turned away from the Father and his good solution because of our own pride or shame? The woman may not have had a “lot of faith” in God, but the desperate need for God and the little faith she had led her to an encounter with Jesus which resulted in him saying, “Woman, great is your faith!”

Mustard Seed: Persistent Plea
Matthew 15:21-28; Romans 11:29-32

He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly. – Matthew 15:26-28

Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. – Romans 11:30-31