Matthew 15:21-28

Be Still: Father help me as I read your Word. By your Spirit, I want to become more like Jesus today. Amen.

Read: Matthew 15:21-28

Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. (v27)

Encounter:  Have you ever walked past a shop or restaurant and there’s someone offering a little nibble or a taster of something delicious? More often than not, they’re basically just crumbs on a fake silver platter. But I’ll always accept: 'Oh yes, thank you', whilst very rarely proceeding to buy the item I’ve sampled! 

In our passage, Jesus is moved by this un-named woman’s faith, even though she was a Canaanite and so not the focus of Jesus’ earthly ministry (which was to the 'to the lost sheep of Israel'). Her example of persistence in prayer is commendable, as she does not let Jesus go. Her acknowledgement of Jesus’ messiahship is impressive, for she calls him Son of David, a Jewish title for the Messiah. And she pleads for mercy. Overall, she seems to really get it. But it seems that what ultimately moves Jesus is her expectant faith that even the 'crumbs' from Jesus would be enough for the healing she desires. This ‘even the crumbs’ faith moves Jesus to compassion and to a revelation of his power.  

Apply: Where have you grown tired in prayer and are tempted to give up? Let the faith and example of the Canaanite woman spur you on. She wasn’t going to give up because she loved her daughter. Don’t stop praying for those you love. She knew that Jesus was the Messiah and that just the crumbs from his table were more than enough to do wonders. The thing is, we don’t just have crumbs: we have access to the infinite riches and grace and power of the Holy Spirit. Keep on praying.  

Devote: Lord, Son of David, thank you that you had mercy on me and saved my soul. Now Lord, Son of David, have mercy on what I carry to you in prayer. Help me to keep praying for that breakthrough, healing, and salvation, knowing that just one touch, or word, or even a crumb, will be enough.