Woman, Your Faith Is Really Something
Some called her a Syrophoenician. Some a Canaanite. Some a Gentile. It depends on what translation of the Bible you’re reading. But I call her the audacious faith-filled momma.
Her daughter was sick—said to have been possessed by a demon. When that momma heard Jesus was in town, she ran and fell at His feet. She didn’t care that women weren’t supposed to talk to men in public … especially a Gentile woman to a Jewish man. She didn’t care that the disciples tried to shoo her away. She was bold. She was brave. Here’s how it happened.
“Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”
But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”
Then Jesus said to the woman, “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!”
Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”
She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”
“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. (Matthew 15:22–28 NLT)
I love how Jesus’ words are paraphrased in The Message: “Oh, woman, your faith is something else.”
That’s what I want to hear. That’s what I want to live. I think you do too.
Jesus’ words to the woman may seem a bit harsh at first, but He knew exactly what He was going to do before it happened. I think He was allowing her great faith to be a teaching example to the disciples…and to us.
There’s another nugget in this story that stirs my heart. Just before this incident, Jesus had been in Galilee. After a confrontation with the Pharisees, he traveled north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. That’s where He met this woman with great faith. He healed her daughter, and then left the way He came. It was the only miracle Jesus performed in that town.
Could it be that our Lord and Savior would go out of His way to take care of one lone momma and her child? The answer is yes! And He will do the same for you.
Lord, I am so moved by how You went out of Your way to help one lone woman. I want to have faith like hers—a faith that is not easily intimidated but emphatically resolved. I will not give up. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What feelings stir in your heart as you think of Jesus going all the way across the Sea of Galilee to take care of one momma and her child? What are some courageous prayers that you are praying today? Leave a prayer request and let’s pray for one another.
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Luke 11:9 NLT
Digging Deeper
Today’s devotion is an excerpt from Momma Moments with God: A 90-Day Devotional. If you are a mom, this book will encourage your soul to know that you have the most important job on earth…and God is right there with you. If you’re not a mom, I bet you know someone who needs this encouragement too! (Make sure and take a look at the interior of this beautiful gift book!)
