NOTES for Mat 15:21-28
What makes this Canaanite woman's faith so great? Any mother would endure anything, any humiliation, for the sake of her daughter's health. Perhaps what matters to Jesus is not what prompted the woman's request or where her journey of faith began, but how far she travels along it. The Canaanite woman is a pagan, and Jews do not associate with pagans, so Jesus remains silent. When the disciples appeal to Him, He breaks His silence and reminds them that God helps His own people. Hearing this, the woman nevertheless asks for help. In doing so, she separates herself from her people for the sake of a relationship with the God of Israel. With His next phrase, Jesus shows that God cannot be compelled to help: He does not accept the magical approach to relating to Him that is characteristic of pagans. Her reply signifies consent to receive mercy from this God who is new to her. Thus, within a few minutes, she travels from being a pagan who relentlessly demands from Jesus what she needs to being a woman who trusts the God of Israel and humbly accepts His mercy.