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21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 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.” 23 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.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, |
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help me.” 26 He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
This story has always seemed so shocking to me, so out of character for what I want Jesus to say and do! I have argued with this story many times – But what about Genesis 11 where God calls Abraham and Sarah to be a blessing to all nations? What about Elijah going to the woman of Nain, certainly not one of the “lost sheep of the house of Israel?” What about Matthew’s own story where magi from other nations are the first to kneel at Jesus’ side offering gifts, opening up the witness to all those outside the people of Israel? In this story, Jesus seems closed off, cold, dismissive, not showing the compassion we come to see in Jesus’ encounters with seekers in the gospels. So I’ve always struggled with what to do with this story, how to understand it, how to make it fit into the picture I want to see of a Jesus who has no boundaries, no limitations, who reaches out to all no matter who they are!
This story has always seemed so shocking to me, so out of character for what I want Jesus to say and do! I have argued with this story many times – But what about Genesis 11 where God calls Abraham and Sarah to be a blessing to all nations? What about Elijah going to the woman of Nain, certainly not one of the “lost sheep of the house of Israel?” What about Matthew’s own story where magi from other nations are the first to kneel at Jesus’ side offering gifts, opening up the witness to all those outside the people of Israel? In this story, Jesus seems closed off, cold, dismissive, not showing the compassion we come to see in Jesus’ encounters with seekers in the gospels. So I’ve always struggled with what to do with this story, how to understand it, how to make it fit into the picture I want to see of a Jesus who has no boundaries, no limitations, who reaches out to all no matter who they are!
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So who is this Canaanite woman?
Watch the video to learn more about this fascinating woman, where she is from, and her interaction with Jesus. Then join in the online discussion by sharing your thoughts on the questions below. This text may challenge us, but it also shows Jesus’ grace and love for all. |
Questions for Discussion
- What is your first reaction to this story? Who do you relate to – the disciples or the woman?
- What is your impression of the woman? What is your reaction to Jesus?
- Do you find this story challenging? Comforting? Or both? Why?
