Chasing Truth™: Read the Bible Cover to CoverSample

Great Is Your Faith

The story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 is a fascinating look at the heart of Jesus and His love for all people. But to our Western World thinking, it seems that Jesus insulted the woman by calling her a dog. 

One commentator explains that during Jesus’ day, “bread” and “meat” were interchangeable and could represent spiritual knowledge or truth. Jesus may have been saying that certain biblical teachings were meant for the Jews first, and that the Gentiles of the day might not understand these truths as readily.

The Canaanite woman’s response is amazing. She was so quick to not only understand what Jesus was saying and agree, but to respond in faith to what she also knew to be true. “’Yes, Lord,’ she said, ‘yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table’ ” (verse 27, CSB). 

This woman knew that she might not understand all of what Jesus could teach her; but what she instantly recognized is that Jesus had enough power to heal her daughter. She didn’t need to understand every biblical truth in order to have faith.

And how did Jesus reply to her response? “Woman, your faith is great. Let it be done for you as you want” (verse 28, CSB). And her daughter was healed “from that hour,” as the Greek text puts it. 

What do you need to have faith for today? Do you need healing? Do you need provision? Do you need intervention in a relationship? Are you praying for the salvation of a loved one? Know that your faith to believe will touch God’s heart. He can do for you as He did for the Canaanite woman. 

May He say to us today, “Woman, your faith is great!”