Short Devotional about A Gentile Woman’s Demon-Possessed Daughter – Matthew 15:21-28
Introduction
We all face times of despair–times when the future seems dark, our faith appears to be shaking, and hope seems to vanish. Yet, the story we highlight today is a beacon of hope amid such despair. It’s a tale of a Gentile woman’s extraordinary faith that made Jesus stop in His tracks. It’s her unwavering belief, perseverance and humility that has lessons for us all.
As we dive deeper into Matthew 15:21-28, and the narrative of the Canaanite woman, you’ll discover how her story rekindles hope, strengthens faith, and encourages humbling ourselves in our quest for transformation. Let’s delve into how her faith can inspire ours.
Bible Verse
Matthew 15:21-28 (NIV)
Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, help me. But He answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master’s table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Meaning
The story in Matthew 15:21-28 starts with Jesus visiting Tyre and Sidon, two Gentile territories. Amid this setting, a Canaanite woman approaches Him, begging for her demon-possessed daughter’s healing. Despite being ignored initially, she persists, displaying remarkable faith and humility. Her faith is visibly demonstrated when she compares herself to a dog waiting for scraps to fall from the master’s table. This faith was moving to the point that it took Jesus to accede to her request and her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
There are several important lessons to learn from this story. The first and foremost, being the power of relentless faith and humility before God. The woman never demanded her healing. Instead, she besought Jesus out of sheer humility and faith. Secondly, the story reveals the universal approach of Jesus, hinting at His mission beyond the Jews to the Gentiles.
Actions to Take
- Develop a daily practice of prayer, reflecting on this encounter and seeking to deepen your own faith.
- Be persistent in bringing your problems before God. Don’t let silence or delay make you lose heart.
- Show humility in your requests. Acknowledging our utter dependence on God is a great act of faith.
- Always acknowledge the omnipresence of God in all people, not just in situations that are comfortable or familiar.
Journal Prompts
- Can you think of a time when your faith was tested? How did you handle it?
- What does humility look like in your relationship with God?
- What would persistent prayer look like in your life?
Prayer
Dear God, nourish my faith in You, just like the Canaanite woman. Help me to persist in my prayers, stay humble in my requests, and find joy in my relationship with You. Keep me grounded in my faith, even when the answers seem delayed. Please give me the strength to keep believing and hoping in Your divine purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts
- “Don’t be discouraged when your prayers aren’t answered immediately. Like the Canaanite woman, persist in faith. #Faith #Presistence”
- “Our faith should be resilient, like the Canaanite woman who wouldn’t give up! #UnshakableFaith #LessonsFromTheBible”
- “The Canaanite woman’s situation seemed hopeless, but with faith, she found hope. #NothingIsImpossibleWithGod”
Conclusion
Through the faith journey of the Canaanite woman, we learn that faith, backed by humility and perseverance, is potent and compelling. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, let us remember her unwavering faith and her firm trust in Jesus’ ability to deliver.
We hope this exploration of the Canaanite woman’s faith inspires you to display such an unwavering faith in your own life. Let’s continue delving into God’s Word together here at BGodInspired.com. Your faith will be renewed, your spirit uplifted, and your bonds with God strengthened.
Explore and dig up answers yourself with our BGodInspired Bible Tools! Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 🙂
Q&A about A Gentile Woman’s Demon-Possessed Daughter – Matthew 15:21-28
Question: Who did Jesus encounter in the region of Tyre and Sidon according to Matthew 15:21-28?
Answer: Jesus encountered a Canaanite woman whose daughter was demon-possessed.
Question: What did the Canaanite woman plead to Jesus for?
Answer: The Canaanite woman pleaded with Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter.
Question: How did Jesus initially respond to the woman’s request?
Answer: Initially, Jesus did not respond to her request and explained that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.
Question: What response did the woman give when Jesus mentioned that it’s not right to throw the children’s bread to the dogs?
Answer: The woman replied, “Yes it is, Lord,” she said, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Question: What was the end result of this encounter based on Matthew 15:21-28?
Answer: The woman’s great faith impressed Jesus, and as a result, He healed her daughter at that very moment.
Question: What does this biblical story convey about faith and persistence?
Answer: The story conveys that great faith and persistence, even in the face of initial denial, can lead to miracles and blessings.
