Matthew 15:(10-20)21-28 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 15:(10-20)21-28 on biblegateway.com
Verse 10Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, "Listen and understand: Verse 11it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles." Verse 12Then the disciples approached and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?" Verse 13He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Verse 14Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit." Verse 15But Peter said to him, "Explain this parable to us." Verse 16Then he said, "Are you also still without understanding? Verse 17Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? Verse 18But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. Verse 19For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. Verse 20These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile."
Verse 21Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Verse 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." Verse 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." Verse 24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Verse 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." Verse 26He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." Verse 27She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Verse 28Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.
Devotion
There is no getting around it. Jesus’ words to the Canaanite woman are a shock, and not what we might expect. She is in desperate need for her tormented daughter. But instead of offering healing and comfort, he turns her away. “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” And when she insists on addressing him as Lord, he insults her by associating her with the dogs. But we are surprised when this woman refuses to let go, trusting that even just the crumbs that fall from the master’s table will be enough. Jesus is clearly moved and acknowledges such great faith and heals her daughter. So it is with faith when it comes into the presence of God’s mercy and grace. Whatever you have—is enough.
Prayer
Gracious God, may we embody your own wide welcome and healing for all those who come to us seeking your grace. In your name, Amen.