A Desperate Cry - SOS

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are desperately searching for an answer to a life-altering problem but can’t find one? Life can throw many challenges our way, and as women, we often face unique experiences and obstacles. The journey can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether navigating career choices, balancing family responsibilities, or overcoming personal struggles.

In the story of the woman with the “issue of blood,” we see her determination to seek healing despite societal barriers. Her faith in finding a solution led her to touch Jesus’ garment, and she was miraculously healed. This powerful narrative reminds us of women’s strength and resilience in adversity. (Mark 5:25-34 and Luke 8:43-48)

Just like the woman who suffered from an “issue of blood” for twelve years in the Bible, there is the Canaanite woman who was in desperate need of a resolution. Both women faced physical and emotional challenges that required compassion and understanding. Similarly, the Canaanite woman’s plea for help demonstrates her unwavering love for her daughter. Despite rejection initially, she persisted with humility and faith, ultimately receiving recognition from Jesus for her remarkable devotion. 

In today’s blog, we delve into the inspiring story of the Canaanite woman and explore the valuable lessons we can glean from her plight. 

Matthew 15:21-28 (NIV)

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes, it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.”

The Canaanite women knew that Jesus was the only one who could grant her petition. She screamed repeatedly, “LORD, SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME! MY DAUGHTER IS DEMON-POSSESSED AND SUFFERING TERRIBLY… LORD, SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME! MY DAUGHTER IS DEMON-POSSESSED AND SUFFERING TERRIBLY…”  The voice of a persistent and determined Canaanite woman echoes in the distance, yelling at the top of her lungs, “HEY, Jesus, Lord… HAVE MERCY. YOU KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME… DON’T IGNORE ME. I HAVE A SICK DEMON-POSSESSED DAUGHTER. HEY… LOOK OVER HERE… LORD JESUS, I NEED YOUR HELP…” Despite the annoyance of the disciples and the apparent ignorance of Jesus, she never loses hope and continues to call out to Him. This woman teaches us an important lesson: we must be assertive in our prayers and return to God until He answers. He holds the answers to all our problems.

The persistent Canaanite woman finally reaches Jesus and kneels before him, begging for help, and Jesus’ response to the woman may come as a surprise: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”  Some commentaries suggest that Jesus’ use of this term was not meant to be derogatory or offensive. Instead, it was a way for Him to emphasize His primary mission of ministering to the Jewish people before extending His ministry to others. By using the analogy of feeding the children before feeding the little house dogs, Jesus highlights the priority and order in which He intended to carry out His divine purpose. This interpretation suggests that Jesus was not dismissing or demeaning anyone but emphasizing His specific calling at that moment.

At face value, Jesus referred to her as a “dog.”  In the given situation, she could react with offense, get upset, or simply walk away or give up. However, holding onto offense can cause people to miss some of life’s blessings. Jesus tested her resolve and determination as a more significant issue was at play. She remained humble and said, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

BACKGROUND 

She knew that she was a sinner and needed a Savior. Her family line did not have a good reputation, as she was a Canaanite. According to the Bible, the Canaanites were descendants of Noah’s grandson, Canaan. Noah had cursed Canaan after his father Ham saw Noah drunk and naked in his tent. This incident occurred after Noah’s family and animals had disembarked from the ark and returned to dry land (Genesis 9:18-24).

In Genesis 9:25-27, the curse that Canaan would become a “slave” to his brothers was extended to his offspring. The Canaanites were known for their horrible practices, which included child sacrifice, as their religion was primarily centered on the deities El, Baal, and Anath. The religion involved various rituals and sacrifices and was polytheistic in nature. The Bible paints a bleak picture of Canaanite practices, which included the worship of demonic idols and taboo sexual acts. Despite her background, she found hope and faith in Jesus (God).  She realized that the false idols of the Canaanites were powerless.

With a heart full of gratitude, she was willing to accept whatever blessings came her way. Even the smallest of gifts held great power and meaning to her. In Luke 14:14-25, Jesus tells a parable about a Great Banquet where people were invited but were too busy to attend. This story serves as a reminder to all of us to never take for granted the gift of being in God’s presence. Through His Word, we have the ability to nourish our souls and grow stronger in our faith. Let us not forget the privilege we have been given and appreciate every opportunity to be in His presence.  Never become so familiar with God to the extent that you take his presence for granted.  

God loves those who persistently seek Him. “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.”