Matthew 15:28
“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.”
Context:This verse is a part of a larger narrative known as the story of the Canaanite woman’s faith, which is found in Matthew 15:21-28.
In this account, a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter. Initially, Jesus does not respond to her plea. Undeterred, the woman continues to persistently cry out to Him. The disciples, seeming to ignore her, request that Jesus send her away. Jesus then addresses the woman, acknowledging her faith and commending her for it.
The phrase “O woman, great is thy faith” spoken by Jesus in response to her persistent request reveals several important aspects:
Faith:Jesus acknowledges the woman’s faith as “great.” Her unwavering trust in Jesus and her persistent pursuit of His help demonstrated her strong belief in His power to heal and deliver her daughter. It highlights the significance of faith in approaching God and seeking His intervention.
Inclusion:The woman’s nationality as a Canaanite is worth noting. At that time, there was significant tension between Jews and Gentiles, and Jesus’ ministry initially focused primarily on the Jewish people. However, this encounter with the Canaanite woman reveals that Jesus’ mission extended beyond the borders of Israel. It demonstrates that Jesus came for all people, regardless of their background, and that faith in Him transcends cultural boundaries.
Persistence and Perseverance:The Canaanite woman’s persistence in seeking Jesus’ help despite initial silence and apparent rejection from both Jesus and His disciples is an important lesson for believers. Her determination teaches us not to lose heart when facing obstacles or delays in our prayers. It encourages us to persevere in seeking God’s intervention and trusting in His goodness, even when the circumstances may seem discouraging.
The conclusion of the passage states, “And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” Jesus grants the woman’s request and heals her daughter instantly. This highlights not only the power of Jesus to heal and deliver but also His compassion and willingness to respond to the genuine faith of those who seek Him.
