Matthew 15:21–28 tells the story where Jesus heals the Canaanite woman’s daughter.
Sometimes it takes bold, relentless, humble faith to break through what seems like silence, much like when the Canaanite woman’s daughter was healed by Jesus.
In Matthew 15:21–28, Jesus has an unforgettable interaction with a Canaanite woman who begs for her daughter to be healed. What follows is both challenging and deeply inspiring.
Matthew 15:21–28 (NASB 2020)
21 Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely demon-possessed.” 23 But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came up and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us!” 24 But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26 Yet He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 And she said, “Yes, Lord; but please help, for even the dogs feed on the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at once.
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- A Canaanite (Gentile) woman
- His disciples, who were growing in understanding
- Us today, to reveal the heart of Jesus and the nature of great faith
What Happened?
Jesus left Jewish territory and entered Gentile land. A Canaanite woman approached Him, pleading for healing for her demon-possessed daughter in hope that Jesus would heal her.
At first, Jesus is silent. Then He speaks of His mission to Israel. Still, the woman bows before Him and presses in with humility.
Her response to being compared to “dogs” is one of faith and perseverance, not offense.
Jesus honors her faith with healing. Her daughter is instantly set free.
The Mood: Desperate, Bold, Humble, Faith-Filled
The scene is full of tension:
- The woman’s desperation
- The disciples’ annoyance
- Jesus’ silence
- Her unwavering determination
It crescendos into a breakthrough when Jesus proclaims, “Your faith is great!“
The Principle: Great Faith Perseveres Through Barriers
This passage teaches us:
- Sometimes God is silent to draw deeper faith
- True faith is not offended by delay or challenge
- Jesus responds to humility and boldness
- Faith is not about heritage—it’s about the heart
Audience Response (Then)
The disciples likely felt awkward, unsure of how Jesus would respond.
The woman showed remarkable spiritual insight and deep understanding of Jesus’ authority, compelling Jesus to heal her daughter.
The moment likely stunned everyone watching. Jesus’ response flipped cultural and religious expectations.
What This Means for Us in 2025
Are you praying for something that seems delayed? Does it feel like God is silent?
This passage reminds us:
- Don’t stop praying.
- Don’t get offended when things are hard.
- Keep pressing in with faith and humility.
Jesus honors great faith—no matter where it comes from, as he did when healing the Canaanite woman’s daughter.
Action Steps for Today
- Cry out to God persistently. He hears you.
- Stay humble even when it feels delayed.
- Worship through the waiting. Bow low and lift your request.
- Don’t let cultural or religious labels define your access to Jesus.
- Celebrate small crumbs of breakthrough—they often carry full healing.
Final Prayer
Lord, when You seem silent, help me to still believe. When answers are delayed, increase my humility and faith. Give me the boldness of the Canaanite woman. I trust that even a crumb of Your grace is more than enough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Faith that endures silence, rejection, and resistance is the kind that moves heaven. Keep going.
