(52) Matthew 15:21-39: Children and Dogs: The Call to Mission

Matthew 15:21–39 ESV

21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, 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.” 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. 29 Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there. 30 And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, 31 so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. 32 Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” 33 And the disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” 34 And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, 36 he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 38 Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

Main Idea: Jesus demonstrates that the Gospel is not just for Israel but for all people, showing God’s heart for the nations and calling His followers to embrace and proclaim this global mission.

Introduction

My first summer in Texas, as a young man, I invited some people over for a barbecue one evening. They looked at me, impressed.

"Sounds great! What are you making? Ribs? Brisket? Pork?"

I was terrified. That was not at all what I meant when I said "barbecue." Where I came from, barbecue meant burgers and brats on the grill. When I told them that, they laughed at me.

You see, in Texas, they take BBQ very seriously. Grilling and BBQ are NOT the same thing. BBQ is slow-smoked, carefully seasoned, and—at least in Texas—almost sacred. They take it so seriously that whole communities come together for BBQ fundraisers to support schools, churches, and local needs.

In fact, there’s a story of a church that needed to raise funds, so they started selling BBQ on Saturdays. It was a hit. It became so popular that over time, they decided to close down the church and turn the building into a BBQ restaurant. The thing that was meant to sustain the church ended up replacing the church altogether.

What happened? How did it get like this? They forgot the mission.

In Jesus’ day, many Jews believed that God’s kingdom was for Israel alone. They thought all of God's promises belonged exclusively to them. They had forgotten the mission. But from the very beginning, God's mission was always for all peoples.

In our passage this morning, Jesus resets their expectations and reminds them of this mission. He demonstrates that His Gospel message and power are for all nations. This passage challenges narrow views of God's mission and calls us to embrace His heart for the world.

Sermon

I. Jesus Resets Our Expectations (Matthew 15:21-28)

Context & Exposition

So, we’ve been talking about how in this section of Matthew we start to see Jesus testing people’s faith before healing them. By and large, the gift miracles are no longer happening freely. He’s been ministering in Israel and he’s being met with growing opposition.

So Matthew says Jesus withdrew from them which usually in Matthew means that Jesus is pulling away from opposition. But he does something unexpected here: when he withdraws he doesn’t go to a place that is full of people who support him.

He withdraws to Tyre & Sidon, two cities that have historically been enemies of Israel.

And what does he encounter there? Matthew says there’s a Canaanite woman who follows him around and cries out for his mercy on her daughter’s demon possession.

And this woman is fascinating because of what she calls Jesus. “O Lord, SON OF DAVID”

She seems to understand the promise of the Messiah through the line of David. This woman, though a Gentile outsider, has faith that Jesus is the Promised Christ.

But Jesus doesn’t respond to her. He just ignores her.

Now that’s strange to us, sitting here on the other side of redemptive history, but that’s exactly what was expected by the disciples

The disciples expected Jesus to treat the Canaanites with disdain because they treated the Canaanites with disdain.

the Canaanites were the descendents of Ham, the wicked son of Noah, and they always were enemies of the Israelites. They were the inhabitants of the Promised Land that were supposed to be eliminated by the Israelites (but instead were just always irritants to the unfaithful Israelites).

In fact, the Jews would simply call them “dogs” and dogs were not considered “furbabies” back then.

When they thought of dogs they often thought of dirty, scavenging creatures, kinda like how we look at herds of feral cats.

We know this is true of the disciples because of how they responded.

“Send this annoying woman away so that she’ll stop following us!”

And Jesus seems to do so, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (24)

“Don’t you realize I am the Jewish Messiah? What makes you think that the Jewish Messiah would care about a Canaanite woman’s plea?”

Now this seems callous, but what is Jesus doing? He is helping to reset the expectations of his disciples, because too often now when he is testing the faith of the Jews he’s finding they’re just interested in what he can offer them and when he doesn’t just hand it out willy-nilly, when he gives a hard teaching or requirement, they go away disappointed or angry.

And the disciples are seeing this. But what happens when he gives a seemingly harsh word to the Canaanite woman? Does she curse him as an arrogant enemy of hers? Does she give up in defeat? No, 25 tells us that came and knelt before him, pleading, “Lord, help me.”

Usually here, you would see Jesus relent on the test, but Jesus presses it more instead. He gives an extremely non-politically correct response to her in 26. “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Now, he seems to be totally Jewish here doesn’t he? He even called her a dog like they do! He’s made his position clear to her: “I am the Jewish Messiah with gifts for my people. What makes you think I would give you what belongs to my people?”

For the Jews around Jesus, they’re probably giving him an approving nod and a smile for affirming to them that they are more important than these dirty Gentiles.

But the woman still doesn’t give up. Even after being called a dog, even after being told the gifts aren’t for her, she still has faith that Jesus has more than enough grace to offer to even her. And she gives what seems to be one of Jesus’ favorite responses in the whole Bible.

She agrees with Jesus’ statement, but then says “yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

Can’t you just see all the onlookers raise their eyebrows with surprise at her audacity, waiting with bated breath to see Jesus’ response to such an audacious response?

But then I can just see this delighted smile break out over the face of Jesus, like the smile of a dad who has finally cracked after trying to keep serious in front of his children, and he responds to her, with seeming delight! “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And it says her daughter was healed instantly.

It is a beautiful scene, full of joy and the beauty of flipped expectations and the meeting of deep needs!

And it is in scenes like this that we see one of the most significant themes of the book of Matthew: Jesus is not just the Jewish Messiah, he is the Messiah for the whole world!

But this shouldn’t surprise us because the whole point of Israel throughout all of the Scriptures is not just to be some favored Son. The whole point of Israel has always been to shine the light of God to the Gentiles! The mission has always been for all the world to know, love, and worship God!

You might not believe me. Well, let’s go back to the beginning when God called Abraham to be the father of Israel. What does God tell him in Genesis 12:1-3?

Genesis 12:2–3 ESV

2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

What was the end goal of God blessing Abraham’s family? To bless all the families of the earth. The point of Israel was to shine the glory of God into all the ends of the earth so that all the earth might know the blessing of being part of God’s people.

Still need convincing? In Exodus 12 provision is made for the “sojourner” or the traveller who is joining with the Israelites for some time who would want to take part in the Passover meal to be able to join so long as they took the mark of faith in YHWH, by being circumcised. Gentiles who acted in faith were welcome to be part of the ceremony where God literally passed over their sinfulness because of the covering of the blood of a lamb.

And that’s the only requirement ever seen of Gentiles who wish to partake in the blessing of God’s atonement. Act in faith by taking the mark and you too can be part of these people!

Gentile women, like Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth were some of the most important women in all of history because they trusted God and were then the key ancestors of David and, more importantly, Jesus!

Further in the Psalms, most of the time when they speak of the great end times feast they speak of the nations gathered to worship and take part.

And now we see Jesus continuing this emphasis in Matthew by commending the faith of and offering healing to a Canaanite woman.

The blessings of God, the good news of Jesus, were never for a single people. They were always intended to be shared to the whole world.

That was Israel’s mission. And they never did it. They forgot it, and instead wanted to bask in the fact that they had become the chosen people of God. They rested in their tradition and their heritage.

But Jesus wasn’t about to just let them keep forgetting it.

He subverted their expectations to then remind them of the mission. “You’ve been blessed by God to be a blessing to all the earth. Stop hoarding it to yourself. This blessing belongs to the nations as well.”

So Jesus

II. Jesus Reminds Us of the Mission (Matthew 15:29-39)

And just as Jesus resets the expectation for and reminds of the existence of the mission of the Israelites, he does the same for us. We have been blessed by God to hear his Gospel message and to taste the blessing of being one of his people and it truly is wonderful.

But problems arise when we grow comfortable in that blessing - comfortable with keeping it to ourselves and our children. We forget that our blessing comes with a charge: be a blessing.

And this is the whole point of the book of Matthew. He is writing to a primarily Jewish audience in order to convince them to go out and share the Good News openly with everyone.

This is why Matthew famously ends with the Great Commission Mat 28:15-18

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Key Idea: Jesus’ mission extends beyond Israel to all who come in faith.

Application:

Salvation History: This moment previews the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, fulfilled in the Great Commission and the early church (Acts 10, Ephesians 2:11-22).

Non-Christians: The Gospel is for all people, regardless of background. No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

Public Life: Do we create barriers that keep others from hearing the Gospel? Are there people we subconsciously exclude from our prayers or evangelism?

Christians Wrestling with Sin: Some may feel unworthy of God’s grace—this passage reminds us that Christ welcomes all who come in faith.

Faithful Believers: Like the Canaanite woman, we should persist in faith, knowing that Jesus is the Savior of all who believe.

Application to Specific Groups:

Older Couples & Widows: Do you pray for the lost beyond your immediate circles? Consider adopting a missionary mindset.

Parents of Young Children: Are you raising your children with a heart for the nations, teaching them to care about people from every background?

Singles: Your mission field is wide open—are you using your freedom to share Christ with those around you?

The Prideful “Christian”: Do you think of Christianity as exclusive to “people like you”? Jesus rebukes such pride. His kingdom is for all who believe.

Transition to Next Point: Jesus’ mission to the nations is not just about individual salvation—it is also about bringing all peoples into the kingdom of God.

Key Idea: Jesus’ provision is not just for Israel but for the whole world.

Context:

Jesus returns to Galilee, healing great multitudes, including many Gentiles (see Mark 7:31-37 for parallel account).

He miraculously feeds four thousand—this time in Gentile territory—paralleling the earlier feeding of the five thousand (which took place among Jews).

Exegesis:

Verse 30-31 – The healings show that Jesus’ power and compassion are for all peoples. The Gentiles glorify the God of Israel.

Verse 32 – Jesus has compassion on the crowd, demonstrating that His love extends beyond ethnic boundaries.

Verses 37-39 – Seven baskets of leftovers remain—seven often symbolizes completion in Scripture, reinforcing that Jesus is the Savior of the whole world.

Application:

Salvation History: This foreshadows the coming of the Gospel to all nations and the ultimate gathering of all peoples in Christ (Revelation 7:9-10).

Non-Christians: Jesus’ kingdom is not restricted to one nation or people—He invites all to come to Him for life.

Public Life: How is the church reflecting Christ’s heart for the nations? Are we sending and supporting missionaries? Are we actively engaging with people from different backgrounds?

Christians Wrestling with Sin: Are you hesitant to believe that Christ’s grace extends to people very different from you? This passage calls for a heart change.

Faithful Believers: If Jesus’ mission was global, ours should be too—how can we practically participate in the Great Commission?

Application to Specific Groups:

Older Couples & Widows: Your prayers and generosity can support the spread of the Gospel worldwide. Are you investing in God’s global mission?

Parents of Young Children: Are you teaching your children that Jesus is the Savior of all peoples, not just those who look like them?

Singles: With fewer commitments, you have great freedom to serve in missions or outreach. How are you using this time for God’s kingdom?

The Prideful “Christian”: Do you see Christianity as belonging to one culture? This passage challenges any form of exclusivity.

Illustration: A banquet where seats were initially reserved for certain guests, but the doors are flung open, and people from every background are invited to feast.

Transition to Conclusion: Jesus does not just welcome the nations—He calls His people to go to them with the good news.

Conclusion

Suggested Closing Illustration: A missionary once arrived in a remote village with the Gospel, only to be told, “We thought this good news was only for other people.” How many today still need to hear that Jesus is for them?

Reflection:

Do you truly believe that the Gospel is for all peoples?

Are you embracing Jesus’ call to take the Gospel to the nations?

Challenge:

If you are an outsider, come—Jesus welcomes all who believe.

If you are struggling, persist—Jesus’ mercy is for you.

If you are prideful, repent—Jesus’ kingdom is not exclusive to any one group.

Key Verse: “And they glorified the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:31)

Call to Action: Embrace God’s heart for the nations. Pray for the lost, engage with people beyond your comfort zone, and participate in the mission of making disciples of all nations.

Other stuff to use

Exegesis:

Verse 22 – She calls Jesus “Son of David,” recognizing His Messianic authority.

Verses 23-26 – Jesus’ response (“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel”) reflects the divine order of redemptive history—salvation comes through Israel to the nations (cf. Genesis 12:3).

Verses 27-28 – Her humble reply (“Even the dogs eat the crumbs”) shows remarkable faith. Jesus commends her and grants her request.

Application:

Salvation History: This moment foreshadows the gospel reaching the Gentiles, fulfilled in the Great Commission. Jesus is not just Israel’s Messiah but the Savior of the world.

Non-Christians: Do you think you are too far from God’s mercy? Come to Christ in humble faith—He welcomes all who trust in Him.

Public Life: Do we see others as unworthy of the gospel? Are there “outsiders” in our minds whom we subconsciously exclude? The church must reflect Christ’s heart for all people.

Christians Wrestling with Sin: Like the woman, do we persist in bringing our struggles to Jesus? His mercy is not limited. Keep coming to Him.

Faithful Believers: This passage encourages steadfast prayer and trust in God’s goodness, even when answers seem delayed.

Application to Specific Groups:

Older Couples & Widows: Do not grow weary in prayer. God hears even when answers seem slow.

Parents of Young Children: Like this mother, intercede fervently for your children’s spiritual and physical well-being.

Singles: This woman had no earthly support—her faith alone carried her. Do you lean on Christ as your primary refuge?

The Prideful “Christian”: Do you assume you deserve God’s grace more than others? Christ commends the one who humbly seeks Him, not those who feel entitled.

II. Jesus’ Abundant Provision to the Needy Crowd (Matthew 15:29-39)

Key Idea: Jesus is the compassionate King who provides for His people’s needs.

Context:

Jesus returns to the Sea of Galilee, healing multitudes.

He miraculously feeds four thousand, showing His provision extends to Gentiles as well.

Exegesis:

Verse 32 – Jesus has compassion, knowing their need for sustenance.

Verses 33-36 – The disciples still struggle to trust Him, despite witnessing a similar miracle (feeding of the 5,000).

Verses 37-39 – Seven baskets are left over, emphasizing abundance in Christ’s provision.

Application:

Salvation History: This foreshadows the Messianic banquet (Isaiah 25:6-9) where all nations feast in Christ’s kingdom.

Non-Christians: Do you seek temporary satisfaction in the world? Only Jesus can fully satisfy your deepest need.

Public Life: How can the church reflect Jesus’ compassion? Are we caring for the physical and spiritual needs of those around us?

Christians Wrestling with Sin: Are you relying on your own strength to overcome sin? Jesus provides what you lack.

Faithful Believers: Christ is enough—keep trusting Him for daily needs.

Application to Specific Groups:

Older Couples & Widows: Trust Christ to sustain you in seasons of loneliness or uncertainty.

Parents of Young Children: You may feel overwhelmed, but Jesus strengthens the weary. Seek Him daily.

Singles: Christ’s sufficiency is greater than any earthly relationship. Find fulfillment in Him.

The Prideful “Christian”: Do you rely on your resources or status instead of Christ? Humble yourself and trust His provision.

Illustration: A child doubting that their father will provide another meal, despite eating every day before. We often do the same with God’s provision.

Transition to Conclusion: Christ not only welcomes the outsider and provides for the needy, but He also calls us to respond with faith.

Conclusion

Suggested Closing Illustration: A starving beggar being invited to a king’s feast—only to hesitate at the door, doubting the invitation is real.

Reflection:

Are you coming to Jesus like the Canaanite woman—with humility and faith?

Do you trust His provision, or are you still worrying about tomorrow?

Challenge:

If you are an outsider, come—Jesus welcomes all who trust in Him.

If you are struggling, persist—Jesus provides for those who seek Him.

If you are prideful, repent—Jesus exalts the humble, not the self-sufficient.

Key Verse: “Great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” (Matthew 15:28)

Call to Action: Trust in the mercy and sufficiency of Christ today. Come to Him with humble faith, and He will not turn you away.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 ESV

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.