Several members of the congregation told me that the story related in Matthew 15:21-28 had bothered them for some time. It certainly seems on the surface to put Jesus in a harsh light. It also doesn't ring true with what has already happened in His ministry. He had performed miracles that benefited Gentiles previously. Why the sudden change in His professed attitude?
As I studied for this message, I came to the conclusion that Jesus' seemingly harsh statements were actually designed with a loving purpose. The woman approached Jesus as an outsider to His world, and referred to Him by a title, Son of David, that made Him an outsider to hers. She was looking for power to solve her current problem, and Jesus seemed like a possible source. Like many today, both outside and inside the church, she wanted the benefit of Jesus without making Him the authority in her life.
Jesus' first statement actually agrees with her. "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel" reflects her attribution of "Son of David" to Him. He says in effect, "Yes, I am Israel's Messiah. You have placed yourself outside of my authority with the title you have given Me." He seeks to draw the woman into His world.
She does get it. She kneels before Him and calls Him simply "Lord." This is the beginning of a proper realization of her relationship to Jesus. While "Lord" (Greek kurie) can be merely an expression of respect, I believe the overall thrust of the passage shows her to understand that Jesus really does have some authority over her.
We expect the story to continue with Jesus now answering her request, but he adds what appears to be an even harsher statement. "Dog" was an insult no matter what culture of that day it was said in, and the fact that the word is for the household dogs does not alleviate that. Jesus continues to press the woman for her understanding of who He is, and He once again states His primary sphere of concern is with Israel.
The woman agrees that she has no right to the blessings reserved for Israel; she understands she is outside of that covenant community. But she expresses a strong belief in the power of Jesus, believing that even the "crumbs" of His power and authority are sufficient to resolve her problem. She did not need what belonged to God's people, only enough to satisfy her need.
Jesus remarks on her "great faith," and grants her request. He has drawn her into a relationship with Him, at a rudimentary level, and His action serves to strengthen her faith and her bond to Jesus. Although the Bible does not tell us what happened to her, I believe it is possible that as Christianity spread out from Jerusalem, and especially since it found a strong center in Antioch in Syria, that this woman became a follower of Jesus through His church. When we come to Jesus seeking a connection to Him, not merely His favors, He will respond to us and draw us in closer to Him.
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