Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 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 from that moment. Matthew 15:22-28 NRSVUE
The whole thing began with her shouting at Jesus as He was passing by. Imagine it. Shouting at Jesus. Perhaps, like me, you don’t have to imagine, because you can actually remember shouting at Him. Like me, you’ve desperately needed an answer…but He was silent.
Shouting At Jesus
Jesus didn’t answer her when she followed and shouted at Him. The disciples were trying to get Him to send her away because she kept shouting after them. When she came close, knelt down, and asked for His help, He responded. But His response was not an answer; it was a statement about priorities.
I’ve mentioned before that our move back to the United States was abrupt. We came here with what we could throw into our suitcases after the phone call came that Tom’s father had passed away. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve been following Jesus while shouting at Him. I see myself in the present respectfully following but desperately wanting my living situation to change. It’s not easy to be a woman in another woman’s home. The rhythm and tone are set the by the woman of the house and that’s not me. It’s only for a season, but that doesn’t make it easier. Being “under the table waiting for crumbs” isn’t a desirable life for a 63-year-old woman.
A Season of Waiting
God doesn’t always answer our cries right away. Even after the woman stopped shouting, knelt before Him, and asked for help, His response was a statement that pointed to His priority. In this season of caregiving it’s clear that someone else’s needs are the focus. Our lives are not easily wrapped up with happy endings. My story is still unfolding. However, the ending for the Canaanite Woman gives me hope.
Her response to Jesus wasn’t argumentative, it was wise and insightful. He commends her great faith, the belief she held that even a crumb of attention from Him could set her daughter free. May we all find such faith, experience His healing, and move forward in His grace.
*For those of you who prayer walk, pray about what season you are in and take note of what the Holy Spirit reveals to you. For your copy of this week’s screensaver, click here. And to access all of my YouVersion Bible App devotional plans, click here.