November 13, 2022 - Matthew 15

Jesus found himself, once again, tangling with the Pharisees and their legalisms and hypocrisy. How different was the Canaanite woman: “A Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon’” (15:22). To be sent away by the disciples and seemingly ignored by Jesus, “She came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly” (15:25-28).

Also contrasted with the Pharisees were the great crowds who “came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet” (15:30). How did Jesus respond? He healed them. And not only that, he fed the hungry crowds. Lesson? Those who refuse Jesus will get nothing from him. For those who seek him and ask him, he delights to give them all they need!

He came from his blest throne

salvation to bestow,

but such disdain! So few

the longed-for Christ would know!

But oh, my friend,

my friend indeed,

who at my need

his life did spend! -- Samuel Crossman (1664)