HEAL - God's Heart for Healing in MatthewSample

Interrupting Jesus

In this passage, Jesus was visiting a home in the region of Tyre and Sidon. He was visiting the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, outside of Israel. The Gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus wanted to keep his presence a secret, but word got out quickly. A Canaanite woman interrupted his solitude and finding Him begged him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. His disciples, trying to protect his time alone, wanted to send her away, but she kept persisting. Begging, pleading, interrupting, she would not give up until she had an audience with Jesus.  

Look at what she said as she knelt before him. “Lord, help me!”  This weary mom was at her wit’s end, yet she believed Jesus could heal her young daughter. Remember that this woman refused to be put off.  

Scripture tell us that she was not an Israelite but a Canaanite, whom the Jews called “dogs”. Even though dogs are beloved pets, there is a time and place to be fed. Jesus tested her faith with this analogy: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” Her response was humble, faith-filled and acknowledged that she knew who He was, her Master. 

It was because of her great faith that Jesus healed her daughter that very hour.  

Questions:

1. How can you see yourself in this story? Are you the woman begging Jesus? Are you one of the disciples trying to keep her away? Can you relate to both?

2. Too many times we are asking for what we want right now on our time. How does faith play a part in being persistent? 

3. What did you learn about Jesus in this story?