The encounter by Jesus and the Canaanite woman can be puzzling. A woman approaches and pleads with Jesus to expel a demon from her daughter. Jesus seems first to ignore her. She persists, then he levels what could be considered an insult. The account concludes with the woman’s continued pressing, then Jesus relents and heals the woman’s daughter.

Read the scriptural account yourself here . . .

21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; 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, for she is crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Let’s examine the postures of both the woman and Jesus in this story.

The Woman

1. She replies to Jesus, “Yes, Lord” or otherwise stated “Truth, Lord” meaning she cannot deny his standing. He is the Lord and has all the control over this circumstance. This is an act of humility on her part. (v 27)
2. She improved her plea to Jesus “…dogs eat crumbs falling from their masters’ table”. She has a lively, active faith, and finds encouragement in what otherwise could be discouraging. (v 27)
3. The woman said she would be glad and rejoice over a simple “crumb”. Again, she is demonstrating humility. This posture prepares us for God’s greatest of gifts and mercies when we adopt the attitude in which we are grateful for anything provided (v27)
4. She used the term “the masters’ table” indicated she worshipped him as her Master. She was his “dog”. This makes Christ her Master, and he recognized the position she took in this. (v 27)

Jesus

1. He had just departed from another challenge by the Pharisees, religious leaders of his day and the people he was on mission to save, so he retreated to an area settled by Gentiles. It says he “withdrew” (v 21) presumably to rest.
2. Jesus may have been testing the woman’s faith. Like the woman arguing her case before the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8) her faith may have been tried by Jesus so that it may be made stronger. Think in your own life how you may something think, “If I only knew then what I know now.” Just as that wisdom is gained over time and trial, so is our faith in Christ.
3. The original Greek word translated as “dog” in most English language bibles is understood by most scholars as actually a young dog or a “puppy”. Jesus duty during this time in his earthly ministry was to the Israelite people, the Gentiles will come later; taking his eye of his priorities could dimmish or put his mission at risk. He was willing veer slightly from his course, just as he did when his mother, Mary, asked him to solve the lack of wine issue at the wedding (John 2:1-11)

What might we learn from this to apply in our own lives?

1. We must see ourselves as “dogs”. Be humble. Acknowledge our unworthiness, brokenness and utter unfitness to approach the Maker and Creator of all things.
2. Find encouragement in what otherwise might be discouraging. When prayers seem to fall on deaf ears, find what encourages you. Do you ask that others join you in your petition? That can be a very encouraging thing, to be prayed for with other Followers. Does the silence of response provide you with needed space in your otherwise busy schedule to reprioritize what matters most? Take rest in the silence, trusting in God’s perfect timing.
3. Adopt a willingness to accept ANY outcome. God will use any outcome to strengthen your faith, grow your trust in him and further sanctify you so that your life moves closer to look and resemble the character of Jesus.
4. Worship Him, even and especially when in trials.

There are most certainly other topics and lessons we can take from this account, so dig further into this on your own. I’m hopeful the above observations may be meaningful and a blessing to you.