Topical Encyclopedia The account of the Woman of Canaan, also known as the Syrophoenician woman, is a profound illustration of humility and faith in the New Testament. This narrative is found in the Gospel of Matthew 15:21-28 and paralleled in Mark 7:24-30. The account unfolds as Jesus withdraws to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He encounters a Canaanite woman who approaches Him with a desperate plea for her demon-possessed daughter.In Matthew 15:22 , the woman cries out, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon." Her address to Jesus as "Lord" and "Son of David" signifies her recognition of His messianic identity, a remarkable acknowledgment from a Gentile. Despite her earnest plea, Jesus initially remains silent, a response that tests her persistence and faith. The disciples, perhaps uncomfortable with the situation, urge Jesus to send her away. However, Jesus' response in Matthew 15:24 is telling: "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." This statement underscores His primary mission to the Jews, yet it also sets the stage for a broader revelation of His ministry. Undeterred, the woman approaches Jesus, kneeling before Him and saying, "Lord, help me!" (Matthew 15:25). Her posture and words reflect deep humility and desperation. Jesus then responds with a metaphor, "It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs" (Matthew 15:26). The term "dogs" here refers to Gentiles, a common Jewish metaphor of the time, highlighting the cultural and religious barriers between Jews and Gentiles. The woman's reply is a testament to her humility and wit: "Yes, Lord," she said, "even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table" (Matthew 15:27). Her response acknowledges her position yet expresses unwavering faith in Jesus' power and mercy. She does not argue against the metaphor but accepts it, demonstrating her understanding of her unworthiness while still trusting in Jesus' compassion. Jesus' reaction to her faith is immediate and affirmative. In Matthew 15:28 , He declares, "O woman, your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire." Her daughter is healed at that very moment, a testament to the power of humble, persistent faith. The Woman of Canaan's account is a powerful example of humility in several ways. First, she approaches Jesus with a recognition of His authority and a plea for mercy, acknowledging her own need and dependence. Second, she persists despite initial silence and apparent rejection, demonstrating a humility that does not demand but rather trusts in the goodness of the Lord. Finally, her acceptance of Jesus' metaphor and her clever, faith-filled response reveal a humility that is both wise and profound. This narrative also serves as a foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom of God, illustrating that faith, not ethnicity or status, is the key to receiving God's grace. The Woman of Canaan's humility and faith are celebrated as exemplary, reminding believers of the importance of approaching God with a humble heart, trusting in His mercy and power. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 15:27And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Wherefore a Few Witnesses, which the Lord Deigns to Suggest to My ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence ... Mother's Love The Harmony of the Gospels. How Important and Necessary it Is, to the Interiour Soul, to ... Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent The Perseverance of Faith Crumbs and the Bread The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... Matt. xv. 21, 22 Resources What does the Bible say about egotism / egoism? What is an egoist / egotist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the cause of church splits? How can healing occur after a church split? | GotQuestions.org What does “blessed are the meek” mean? | GotQuestions.org Humility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Humility: A Characteristic of Saints Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Humility: Saints should be Clothed With Humility: Saints should Beware of False Humility: Saints should Put On Humility: Saints should Walk With Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate Related Terms |
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