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.” —Matthew 15:22 (NKJV)

Have you ever been singled out for something special? If you are a child of the King, the answer is “yes.” You have been shown the same miraculous mercy that the Canaanite woman experienced over two thousand years ago. Jesus came to her in her pain, she cried out, and [eventually] He answered her prayer with a resounding “yes.”

The text doesn’t tell us either how the Canaanite woman knew about Jesus or why Jesus traveled to Canaan, but it infers that she knew who Jesus was and what He could do for her. She also knew she had nothing to offer Jesus in return except her worship, which she freely gave. Jesus and His disciples had traveled a considerable distance, 35 miles on foot, and it seems that meeting this woman was the sole purpose of His journey!

So, it is very surprising that when she first called to Him, “He answered her not a word (vs. 23*).” Nothing, just silence. I picture her on her knees with her eyes locked on Jesus and her hands in the air, feeling his response, if not yet hearing it. Then, relieved by His voice, she hears Jesus’ answer, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the House of Israel” (vs. 24).

It was not the answer she was expecting. Still, she approached and worshipped Him, crying out, “Lord, help me!” Full of hope and reverence, she humbled herself before the King of Kings, knowing she was not a Jew yet still believing she was chosen.

“It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs,” was Jesus’ perplexing reply (vs. 26). But she was not deterred. Perhaps this even brought a smile to her face before she answered, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table” (vs. 27).

“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 at that very hour” (vs. 28).

This powerful scene is just a glimpse into the heart of our Lord. Although Jesus highlights the Canaanite woman’s faith, His immeasurable mercy takes center stage in the story. Jesus pursued her, just like He pursued the woman at the well. This miraculous meeting was ordained by God because He loved her. Jesus always intended to answer her prayer, reveal her faith, and show that His love and mercy have no boundaries.

Yes, this woman was bold! And Jesus invites us to come boldly into the throne of grace. She did not allow others to drown out her cries. Jesus tells us not to fear man but God alone. She was humble, persistent, faith-filled, reverent, fervent, and single-minded. Jesus calls us to yoke with Him to make our burden light. She knew He was Lord and could do anything, but she also knew He was good.

Having said that, please remember God’s economy is much different from ours. We cannot question His love based on our physical circumstances. Suffering is the currency of grace. Oftentimes, it is the very thing that ushers us into the arms of Jesus. He is the only miracle that lasts for eternity.

Father, I praise You for Your immeasurable mercy and grace. This story gives me hope as a woman, a mother, and hope for eternity. Give me an understanding of Your mercy, even if my miracle is not performed this side of Heaven. Show me how to remain persistent, steadfast, and unwavering as I learn to receive Your unending love. Amen.

* Scripture verses noted above are all from Matthew 15.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
in peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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