Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Matthew 15:21-28

In Pursuit of God

In this story we see how our pursuit of God is rewarded. There is so much we can learn here about tenacity, never giving up and pressing into the best that God has for us. We also see how our faith has the ability to move God from a place of seemingly complete rejection into a place of acceptance and reward.

This woman of Canaan had a daughter who was demon possessed. We can easily qualify this a legitimate hardship or problem. Here is a lady who is desperate for an answer. She was not going to be turned down. This was the attitude and posture that she took. No matter what came against her, even God Himself, she was going to get what she came for.

How Annoying!

In the beginning of this story we see how she was very annoying, so much so that the disciples of Jesus were trying to get Him to get rid of her. She was making much commotion, being loud and hugely demonstrative. All these attributes would make her someone who would not fit very well in most religious circles. Jesus, knowing all of this, had a plan to teach His disciples a lesson and create a perfect story for us to know just how our faith and patience pay off huge dividends.

The disciples urged Jesus to get rid of the woman. They were saying, Forget this lady, forget her problem, she does not qualify anyway because she is not what we are here for. Jesus plays along responding that He is only called to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. This is the ladys first round of rejection from the Lord. But she does not stop. Then she says, OK. I can take that. So she goes even lower worshipping Him, saying Lord! Help me!. At this point Jesus gives her a direct response indirectly calling her a little dog. At this point, most people would be offended and say, forget this! That is unacceptable, unkind, rude and insulting!. However, this lady refused to get offended. She kept pressing in by faith.

I’ll Take That Crumbs

The lady thinks to herself, Ok, call me what you want. But Im not quitting because this is not about me, this is about my daughter who needs help. She basically says to Jesus, OK. I see what you are saying. Im a little dog. Great! Give me a crumb! That is all I need. Jesus responds in amazement to her faith, Great is YOUR faith. Let it be as YOU desire. Here daughter was healed that very hour.

This lady demonstrated such desperation that it literally shifted Gods response to her predicament. How long will you go until you give up When do you finally get offended because Jesus does not do things on your terms, in your way and at your timing How quickly do you give up on Gods promises to you God will test all of us to see just how serious, desperate and tenacious we will be to see Him give His affirmative yes to us.

Don’t Quit

All of the promises of God are yes and amen in Christ. Dont give up on what God has promised in your life. Maybe God will cause you to lose your reputation. This lady was called a little dog in front of all by the Lord. But her reward was just around the corner. It was just a test to see how she would respond. How will you respond Just beyond the possible offense is the blessing of God. She kept her eyes on the Lord refusing to take no for an answer. God has good things in store for us. He is a rewarder.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6