Matthew 15:23-28
With the Maui disaster fresh on our minds, you probably remember the worst days of Katrina. Mr. Brown, head of FEMA at the time, was sending e-mails to his staff like this: I’m not answering [questions], but do have a question. Do you know anyone who dog-sits?
It was not long before Mr. Brown was shown the door. It was not right to take attention from those one is to serve in favor of a dog.
Jesus said as much to the Canaanite woman. To paraphrase: It is not right to take attention away from those I have been called first to serve, anymore than it is to take food from children and feed it to the dogs.
To our 21st c. ears, it seems a little harsh and out of character with the compassionate Jesus we see elsewhere in the gospels. Here we see him refuse to answer after she calls him Lord and pleads for mercy. Then he brushes her off before the disciples. Then he compares her to a dog, a household pet that would hang around under the dinner table. But she persists.
The obvious reason is her determination to help her daughter, but there is more to it. A Canaanite was regarded as a hardened pagan and opponent of Jews. Thus, Jesus talking with a Canaanite is daring, and with a woman, doubly so, given the strict codes of decency in a culture that frowned upon men and women socializing. And the brazen approach of this woman only makes her character more questionable. On top of that, to have a demon-possessed daughter says to the disciples that she has committed sin that has caused this curse. So, they urged Jesus to send her away.
- F. Bruce, in the Hard Sayings of Jesus, says that although we can read the written record, we cannot see the twinkle in his eye or hear the tone of his voice. For him to respond at all was more than she could expect. And he could have simply said: Well, the best of luck to you! But whatever it was between them in that moment, she kneels before him, and asks for his help.
This woman is as sharp as she is humble, and her reply leads Jesus to declare that she has “great faith” and her daughter is healed. In the Greek, the word for “great” is “mega.” This annoying person from the wrong side of the tracks, with nothing to commend her, is declared by Jesus to have “mega-faith.” It must have been shocking to the disciples!
Keep in mind: Jesus has been rejected in his hometown. The religious leaders have been offended by his teachings. His disciples have had moments of little faith – such as when Peter tried to walk on water but sank – and Jesus called them “dull” for not understanding him. Then here comes this sharp-witted Canaanite who displays mega-faith. The contrast is quite instructive.
This miracle teaches us that being a disciple of Jesus is no guarantee of mega-faith. It may be found in the most unlikely of places and from unlikely people. It might be found in small groups, small churches, and the small people with mega-questions begging for mega-answers.
Jesus dares, even double-dog dares us to be open to the Canaanites in our midst who come from different religious backgrounds if any at all; whose presence may make some uncomfortable, whose loud pleas challenge little faith – and who can catch us by surprise. Because acknowledging and encouraging someone otherwise easily ignored, can make a mega-difference, even when you don’t realize it. Crumbs that fall from the Master’s table can lead to mega-faith!
William Barclay, the beloved Scottish theologian, and teacher, was rather hard of hearing. He relied on lip reading in close conversation but had difficulty making out words spoken to him from afar. After preaching one day, a man came up to him, shook his hand and said, “Dr. Barclay, I want to thank you for saving my life.” Barclay was baffled because he could not recall ever meeting the man. “I’m sorry,” he replied, “I don’t remember that.”
The man explained: “One evening a year ago, I was sitting on the steps of the church, feeling dejected. I called out to you as you walked out of the church: ‘Life is terrible!’ I said. ‘I’m going to throw myself into the river.’ You waved to me as cheery as could be and said, ‘Well, the best of luck to you!’ That comment brought me back to reality, and today, life is good.’”
Even household pets get a good life, so how much more should we offer encouragement and hope to those who come to our steps, our doors, our table, asking for the Lord’s help. Because, Jesus puts an extra leaf in the table to welcome the Canaanite and all those she represents. And if the truth be known, we have all been like that woman.
She warns of stiff-necked religion and dull hearts. And Jesus shows us that what is little can become great if we humbly kneel before Him, our faith looking up to Him to bring us back to reality. Life is good for the ransomed soul in Christ: Thy rich grace impart, strength to my faint-heart, fear and distrust removed. Lord, grant us such faith!