“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. [Matthew 15:28 NLT]
A Gentile woman has come to Jesus to asking for mercy that he might heal her daughter.
He rebuffs her saying: “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”
But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”
This account can be a troubling one if it is generalized to say something it does not mean.
If one tries to teach that salvation is exclusive to the Jews they miss the point.
I believe that the message is mean to teach us about the nature of faith.
I am so inspired when I read of a gentile woman coming to Jesus in behalf of her daughter.
It inspires me to press in and pray when answers seem so far away.
This woman would not settle for a rebuff from the Lord - she would not accept no.
This gentile woman was fearless and bold as she fought tenaciously for her daughter.
Jesus calls her faith great because of the persistence and tenacity of it.
To me she is a model of how one might intercede for one that they love so much.
God help to be bold, fearless, persistent and tenacious when I pray.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
I love the visualization this story presents. Her passion is obvious, as opposed to those Jesus was sent to, who were merely going through the motions. A great message for us all.
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