1. A desperate cry for help (21-26)

After rebuking the religious leaders, Jesus withdrew to Gentile region. Jesus was met by a Canaanite woman who begged him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. This woman's child suffered terribly. Jesus did not immediately respond, and the disciples urged him to send her away. Jesus replied to her that he was sent for Jews, but the woman persisted. Then Jesus responded that it was not right to toss children's bread to the dogs. Jesus sounded cruel, but this was a test of faith.

2. A spiritual response that pleased Jesus (27-28)

Rather than take offense, the Canaanite woman heard Jesus' response as an invitation. She caught that Jesus called her a house dog-a pet that is fed by the master of the house. She humbly accepted her position before Lord Jesus. She wholly depended on Jesus' grace to receive what she could not earn nor pay for. Jesus was impressed by her genuine and humble faith and healed her sick daughter. Like this woman, we are all like dogs before Jesus, but let us have her faith.


Application: Lord, thank you for answering my cries for help with your one-sided grace. Help me to live with a humble faith that pleases you.
One Word: Faith that pleases the Lord Jesus