I.
Once again we take note of an individual who is recognized to have great faith. But on the way to that recognition we have a conversation between a woman and Jesus which presents a number of questions for us to deal with.

Take time to read our focus passage and especially notice the exchange between the woman and Jesus.

How would you characterize their conversation?

II.
Matthew 15:21-28 (NRSVue)

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 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.

III.
The woman is described as a Canaanite woman from the “district of Tyre and Sidon.” These cities are in an area known as Phoenicia. All of which serves to emphasize the woman is very truly a Gentile, and from an area that is known for ancient hostilities to the “house of Israel.”

What kind of barriers might that suggest exist between Jesus (and his disciples) and the woman and her daughter?

Jesus ignores the woman’s initial request and the disciples seem offended by her “shouting” and ask Jesus to “send her away.”

What do you make of how Jesus (and the disciples) act here?

Why would he treat her in such a disrespectful way?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}