"Don't You Tell Me No Jesus" Matthew 15:21-28

We can approach Jesus through mercy that suits our case

English Standard Version Chapter 15

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.”

Jesus on the road to Calvary met some interesting women, Jew and Gentile alike that he encountered and changed their lives forever. The word mercy in the Greek is eleeo, meaning to show kindness or concern for someone serious in need. Mercy comes from a compassionate heart that prefers others over themselves. She no doubt heard about the miracles of Jesus and surmised that he could help her daughter. Mercy is not shown because too many are worried about their own self-problems. She sought compassion from Christ because she may not have gotten it from her circle. In her hour of need, she knew she could approach Jesus to obtain mercy. Hebrews 4:16

Don’t allow others “send them away” spirit to deter you receiving what you need from Jesus.

English Standard Version Chapter 15

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.”

Jesus seemingly dismisses her like he seemingly dismissed his mother at the wedding at, but it was the disciples attitude towards the woman that caught my attention. Though Jesus did not answer at first, it was the disciples attitude towards the woman that caught my attention. Jesus’ compassion was not displayed in the disciples as they asked Jesus to send her away. There are some people who would rather send you away battered, broken and bruised because they do not have compassion for your circumstances. Some people don’t want to give compassion much less allow you to receive compassion.

We must exhibit persistence in faith even when it seems Jesus denies our request made in mercy.

English Standard Version Chapter 15

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.”

When Jesus finally speaks, he stills seems to say no, but with a disclaimer that he came for Israel only. He answer prompted her to worship (knelt). First, Her humility and necessity made her glad of crumbs. Those who are conscious to themselves that they deserve nothing, will be thankful for any thing; and then we are prepared for the greatest of God’s mercies, when we see ourselves less than the least of them. The least of Christ is precious to a believer, and the very crumbs of the bread of life.

The word knelt in the Greek is proskyneo, to express in attitude or gesture one’s complete dependence on or submission to a high authority figure. Circumstances come to test our attitude and our worship. Jesus not only responds to our request, but he responds to our worship as well. There are something things you cannot pay or praise your way out of, but you can worship and wait for God to work.

First, Her humility and necessity made her glad of crumbs. Those who are conscious to themselves that they deserve nothing, will be thankful for any thing; and then we are prepared for the greatest of God’s mercies, when we see ourselves less than the least of them. The least of Christ is precious to a believer, and the very crumbs of the bread of life.

Secondly, Her faith encouraged her to expect these crumbs. Why should it not be at Christ’s table as at a great man’s, where the dogs are fed as sure as the children? Observe, She calls it their master’s table; if she were a dog, she was his dog, and it cannot be ill with us, if we stand but in the meanest relation to Christ; “Though unworthy to be called children, yet make me as one of thy hired servants: nay, rather let me be set with the dogs than turned out of the house; for in my Father’s house there is not only bread enough, but to spare,” Lu. 15:17–19. It is good lying in God’s house, though we lie at the threshold there.

Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 1692). Peabody: Hendrickson.

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 882). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

When we hold on to our faith, then God will reward our heart’s desire.

English Standard Version Chapter 15

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.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume Matthew 15:21–28

The happy issue and success of all this. She came off with credit and comfort from this struggle; and, though a Canaanite, approved herself a true daughter of Israel, who, like a prince, had power with God, and prevailed. Hitherto Christ hid his face from her, but now gathers her with everlasting kindness, v. 28. Then Jesus said, O woman, great is thy faith. This was like Joseph’s making himself know to his brethren, I am Joseph; so here, in effect, I am Jesus. Now he begins to speak like himself, and to put on his own countenance. He will not contend for ever.

(1.) He commended her faith. O woman, great is thy faith. Observe, [1.] It is her faith that he commends. There were several other graces that shone bright in her conduct of this affair-wisdom, humility, meekness, patience, perseverance in prayer; but these were the product of her faith, and therefore Christ fastens upon that as most commendable; because of all graces faith honours Christ most, therefore of all graces Christ honours faith most. [2.] It is the greatness of her faith. Note, First, Though the faith of all the saints is alike precious, yet it is not in all alike strong; all believers are not of the same size and stature. Secondly, The greatness of faith consists much in a resolute adherence to Jesus Christ as an all-sufficient Saviour, even in the face of discouragements; to love him, and trust him, as a Friend, even then when he seems to come forth against us as an Enemy. This is great faith! Thirdly, Though weak faith, if true, shall not be rejected, yet great faith shall be commended, and shall appear greatly well-pleasing to Christ; for in them that thus believe he is most admired. Thus Christ commended the faith of the centurion, and he was a Gentile too, he had a strong faith in the power of Christ, this woman in the good-will of Christ; both were acceptable.

(2.) He cured her daughter; “Be it unto thee even as thou wilt: I can deny thee nothing, take what thou camest for.” Note, Great believers may have what they will for the asking. When our will conforms to the will of Christ’s precept, his will concurs with the will of our desire. Those that will deny Christ nothing, shall find that he will deny them nothing at last, though for a time he seems to hide his face from them. “Thou wouldst have thy sins pardoned, thy corruptions mortified, thy nature sanctified; be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And what canst thou desire more?” When we come, as this poor woman did, to pray against Satan and his kingdom, we concur with the intercession of Christ, and it shall be accordingly. Though Satan may sift Peter, and buffet Paul, yet, through Christ’s prayer and the sufficiency of his grace, we shall be more than conquerors, Lu. 22:31, 32; 2 Co. 12:7–9; Rom. 16:20.

The event was answerable to the word of Christ; Her daughter was made whole from that very hour; from thenceforward was never vexed with the devil any more; the mother’s faith prevailed for the daughter’s cure. Though the patient was at a distance, that was no hindrance to the efficacy of Christ’s word. He spake, and it was done.