The testing of faith
by Ruth Olsen
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[The disciples] urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us’ (Matthew 15:23b).
Read Matthew 15:21–28
Much of Jesus’ ministry happened in the regions of Galilee and beyond, away from Jerusalem in the south. That’s a long way to walk! But it was also a teaching time with his disciples, a time for deeper lessons. Most of the disciples came from Galilee, so the region of Tyre and Sidon may have been foreign territory to them.
A desperate Canaanite woman from that area pursues them, crying out to Jesus, begging for help for her demon-possessed daughter. But there’s only silence from Jesus. Imagine what the disciples may have been thinking as they trudged along? Do you think they were getting annoyed with her?
Finally, they say, ‘Send her away …’ (verse 23), to which Jesus answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel’, that is, the children of Israel. But with Jesus now talking, the woman is hopeful and pleads again for help. It then seems strange that Jesus would talk about not tossing the children’s bread to the dogs. Where is his compassion? However, the Greek term used here for dogs suggests pet dogs with scraps from the family table. With this homely picture, her hope and faith are stirred, asking for her little scrap for her daughter.
The disciples were tested and didn’t show mercy. The woman was tested and showed greater faith than the Pharisees and teachers of the law (Matthew 15:1–9), indicating that she was, in fact, one of the lost sheep of Israel (see also Matthew 8:10–13). Jesus was tested – does his mercy extend to others? Faith is the key (see also Hebrews 11:6). The woman’s faith is rewarded, her daughter is healed, and the house of Israel is redefined to include Gentiles (see Matthew – the Teacher’s Gospel, Paul S Minear, 1982).
It’s when our faith in Jesus is tested that there’s opportunity for growth. That’s where the Lord invites us to grow our trust in his enabling presence with us, with his peace to sustain us.
Lord, enable me to recognise when my faith in you is being tested, and help me rest in trusting you, no matter the circumstances.
Ruth lives in Adelaide with Steen, her husband of more than 50 years. Her autoimmune disorder is now under control, although kidney dialysis is currently a requirement three times a week. That swallows much time, yet the Lord is with her in the challenges. He is always faithful!
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