Without faith it is impossible to please God

Good morning!

Greetings in the name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit.

Imagine the heartache of a mother whose child is suffering. Her daughter is tormented by something beyond anyone’s control—possessed by a demon, trapped in a torment that no doctor or neighbor can cure. This mother is a Canaanite woman, part of a group seen by the Jewish people of her time as outsiders, unclean, and even less than human. She knows that by approaching Jesus, she risks rejection, humiliation, or even hostility. Canaanites were not welcome among the Jewish people, and she was used to being treated as someone who did not belong.

Yet, driven by desperation and a love that refuses to give up, this woman hears that Jesus—a Jewish teacher known for His miracles—is nearby. She sees a glimmer of hope where others might only see obstacles. She takes a leap of faith, crossing social and religious barriers to approach Him, risking everything to ask for His help. Her love for her child and her belief in Jesus’ power propel her forward, despite knowing that others might judge or scorn her.

In Matthew 15:21-28, we find this extraordinary story of faith. The Canaanite woman’s journey is a powerful reminder that true faith is persistent and resilient, breaking through even the strongest barriers. As we explore this story, we will look at the woman’s courage in approaching Jesus, her steadfast faith despite initial rejection, and the way Jesus ultimately honors her faith. Through her example, we see that God’s mercy extends to all who seek Him, regardless of background, tradition, or past mistakes.

The Canaanite woman in this story faces tremendous obstacles right from the start. She is part of a group that the Jewish people viewed with suspicion, disdain, and even hostility. Canaanites were considered unclean and outside the boundaries of God’s chosen people. This woman knew that in the eyes of the Jewish society around her, she didn’t “belong.” Yet, despite this, she finds the courage to approach Jesus.

When she hears that Jesus is nearby, she doesn’t let her status as an outsider hold her back. Instead, she boldly approaches Him and cries out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly”(Matthew 15:22). Her plea shows both her desperation and her recognition of Jesus’ authority. By calling Him “Lord” and “Son of David,” she acknowledges His power and Jewish heritage. It’s as if she’s saying, “I know who You are, and I believe in what You can do.” This is a significant act of faith from a woman who would not have been expected to know or understand Jewish messianic titles. She crosses cultural and religious boundaries to seek help, knowing full well that her presence could invite judgment or rejection.

For this woman, social rules and labels are secondary to her daughter’s need for healing. Her love for her child is greater than any fear of rejection or ridicule. Imagine the courage it took to approach a Jewish teacher in a public setting, knowing that others might see her as an unworthy outsider. Her courage is not only admirable but instructive. She takes a risk, driven by her love and by her faith in Jesus’ power to heal. She steps out, not knowing how He will respond, but believing it’s worth the risk.

Her courage reminds us that faith often requires stepping out of our comfort zones, overcoming fears, and pushing past insecurities. There may be times when we feel like outsiders ourselves—when we feel unworthy or inadequate in approaching God. Perhaps we feel ashamed of our past or believe that our background disqualifies us from coming to Jesus. But this story assures us that Jesus is accessible to everyone, regardless of social status, background, or mistakes. The Canaanite woman shows us that sometimes, we need to push through the barriers of insecurity, doubt, and fear. God’s heart is open to those who approach Him with faith and humility.

Her story is also a reminder that God does not see people the way society often does. Where others saw an unclean, unworthy outsider, Jesus saw a woman with great faith and a desperate need for help. Romans 2:11 tells us, “For God does not show favoritism.” This woman’s courage is a beautiful example of what it means to approach God boldly, regardless of where we come from. 

Her bravery teaches us that faith and love are stronger than social norms or religious boundaries. In Hebrews 4:16, we are encouraged to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Like the Canaanite woman, we are invited to come before Jesus with confidence and faith, trusting that He is compassionate and willing to listen.

The woman’s courage also challenges us to consider how we approach God in our own lives. Are we willing to put aside our fears, our doubts, and our insecurities to come before Him with our needs? Do we believe that He is as accessible and compassionate as this story reveals Him to be? The Canaanite woman didn’t let her outsider status stop her; instead, she approached Jesus with bold faith, trusting that His mercy would reach even someone like her. In doing so, she teaches us that courage in faith opens doors to God’s mercy and healing, even when the world around us might say otherwise.

In a world that often places people in categories of “worthy” and “unworthy,” the Canaanite woman’s courage to approach Jesus is a powerful reminder that God’s love is inclusive, reaching beyond boundaries and barriers. Her faith teaches us to step forward, regardless of our background or mistakes, with confidence that Jesus welcomes all who come to Him in faith.

The Canaanite woman’s journey to seek healing for her daughter is not easy. At first, her cries to Jesus are met with silence. Matthew 15:23 tells us, “Jesus did not answer a word.” Imagine the heartbreak and frustration she must have felt in that moment. She has pushed past social and cultural boundaries, overcome her fears, and reached out in faith, only to be met with silence. For many, this silence would have been a stopping point, a moment to walk away, feeling rejected and unseen. But not for this woman. Instead, she persists, revealing a faith that is resilient, humble, and unwavering.

To make matters worse, even Jesus’ disciples, His closest followers, urge Him to send her away. They see her as a nuisance, an interruption to their journey, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us” (Matthew 15:23). Yet the woman does not let their dismissal deter her. She continues to press forward, undeterred by silence or the disciples’ disapproval. Her faith drives her to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep believing, even when it seems that all odds are stacked against her.

When Jesus finally does respond, His words seem discouraging. He says, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). This statement emphasizes the cultural and religious divide between them, reminding her that His mission is focused on the people of Israel. Many might have interpreted this as a final rejection, but the woman’s faith doesn’t waver. She steps closer, kneeling before Him and pleading, “Lord, help me!” (Matthew 15:25). Her humility is evident as she acknowledges her position, yet she still believes in Jesus’ compassion and mercy.

Then comes perhaps the most challenging statement from Jesus: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:26). At first glance, this response seems harsh, even offensive. In the cultural context of the time, the term “dogs” was often used by Jews to refer to Gentiles, reflecting the division and prejudice between them. But rather than taking offense or retreating in defeat, the woman responds with humility and remarkable faith. She answers, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (Matthew 15:27).

Her response is profound. She acknowledges her outsider status without resentment or anger. Instead, she uses Jesus’ metaphor to express her deep faith. She doesn’t ask for the “bread”—the full portion intended for the children of Israel. She believes that even the smallest portion, a mere “crumb” of His mercy, would be enough to heal her daughter. Her faith is so great that she knows Jesus’ power and compassion are abundant, overflowing beyond the boundaries of tradition, culture, and religion. She believes that a mere touch of His grace, even the “leftovers,” would be more than enough for her.

This unwavering faith is extraordinary. She stands undeterred by silence, rejection, cultural divisions, and what might appear as an insult. Her faith is greater than any personal offense, social rejection, or religious boundary. The Canaanite woman’s humility and resilience reveal a profound belief in Jesus’ mercy and compassion, even when the path to that mercy seems blocked. 

In this moment, she exemplifies the kind of faith that Jesus honors. Her persistence and humility align with James 4:10, which says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” She humbles herself, acknowledging her outsider status, yet boldly affirms her belief in Jesus’ mercy. Her faith teaches us that even when we feel unworthy, marginalized, or ignored, we can still approach God with confidence in His mercy and compassion.

Through this story, we are reminded that true faith persists, even in the face of rejection. The Canaanite woman’s example challenges us to approach Jesus with humility and trust, to believe that His mercy is boundless, and to recognize that God’s grace is not limited by human boundaries. Her faith transforms what could have been a moment of defeat into a testament of unshakeable belief in Jesus’ love and healing power.

After the Canaanite woman’s persistence, humility, and unwavering belief, Jesus finally responds with words that reveal His heart and His delight in her faith. He says to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted” (Matthew 15:28). In that moment, her daughter is healed, not because she fits into any cultural or religious mold, but because she believed in Jesus with a faith that transcended all boundaries. Her faith, relentless and undeterred by silence, rejection, or social prejudice, is rewarded, and Jesus openly celebrates her remarkable trust in Him.

This moment is significant because Jesus rarely praises anyone’s faith so directly. By acknowledging her “great faith,” Jesus honors the very essence of her persistence and trust, showcasing that faith is the key that opens the door to God’s mercy. Her belief, undiminished by the obstacles she faced, reflects the kind of faith that moves mountains, as Jesus describes in Matthew 17:20: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” In the Canaanite woman’s case, her faith moved the boundaries of culture and religion, leading her to a miraculous outcome.

This encounter demonstrates that Jesus’ mercy and love extend far beyond human boundaries. Despite the initial barriers, Jesus ultimately draws her close, offering her the healing she sought because her faith was genuine, humble, and persistent. This interaction serves as a powerful reminder that God’s mercy is not limited by nationality, race, or social status. It shows that those who come to Him with genuine faith, regardless of their background, are welcomed and cherished. Jesus invites her to rise above the prejudice of the time and embrace the boundless mercy of God, making her a symbol of faith for all.

Jesus’ interaction with this woman also challenges the onlookers’ perceptions. The disciples, and perhaps others around, may have initially viewed her as an outsider or nuisance, someone not deserving of Jesus’ attention. But through her faith, Jesus reveals that heritage and religious affiliation are secondary to a heart that sincerely seeks God. Romans 10:12 reflects this truth: “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.” Jesus’ actions here embody this teaching, showing that God’s blessings are available to all who approach Him in faith.

In this encounter, Jesus allows the woman to profess her faith publicly, helping her rise above societal labels and cultural prejudice. He gives her the chance to demonstrate her faith in a way that not only changes her life but serves as an example for others. Her persistence, courage, and humility inspire everyone who witnesses this interaction, reminding them that God’s love is inclusive and far-reaching.

Through this moment, Jesus teaches His disciples and everyone present that true faith transcends boundaries. The woman’s faith breaks down walls of separation, allowing her to receive God’s mercy and healing. This story reflects the boundless reach of God’s love, a love that is available to all who seek Him with sincerity. It emphasizes that God looks beyond cultural, religious, and social divisions, seeking hearts that are genuinely open to Him.

Jesus’ response to the Canaanite woman is an invitation to all of us. It challenges us to examine our own beliefs and to see faith not as a matter of heritage or status but as a heart that longs for God and trusts in His goodness. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” The Canaanite woman’s faith pleased God deeply, and her story encourages us to come to Jesus with boldness, persistence, and humility, knowing that He honors a heart that truly seeks Him.

In celebrating the woman’s faith, Jesus demonstrates that God’s love and mercy are accessible to anyone, regardless of their past, their background, or their standing in society. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, teaching us that those who seek Jesus with persistence and humility will find the compassion and grace they need. Jesus welcomes all who come to Him in faith, and through this interaction, He reveals that the kingdom of God is open to everyone willing to believe in His power and goodness.

The story of the Canaanite woman is a powerful testament to the strength of faith, the courage to overcome obstacles, and the boundless compassion of God. This woman faced numerous barriers—social stigma, silence from Jesus, rejection from His disciples, and even a response that could have been taken as discouraging. Yet, her love for her daughter and her belief in Jesus’ power led her to push through every obstacle. She didn’t allow cultural or religious divisions to deter her; instead, her faith drove her forward, determined to receive mercy.

Through this encounter, Jesus teaches us an essential truth about God’s love: it transcends human boundaries and is not restricted by rules or social expectations. Jesus sees our hearts, not our status, background, or appearance. He honors sincerity, humility, and the persistence of those who come to Him in faith. This Canaanite woman’s story reminds us that God is accessible to anyone who seeks Him with a genuine heart. Faith is the bridge that connects us to God’s grace, no matter our circumstances.

Just as Jesus affirmed the woman’s faith and healed her daughter, He invites us to approach Him with boldness and confidence, regardless of our past or our place in society. Her story demonstrates that God’s mercy is open to all who seek it, and that faith can overcome the deepest divides. It encourages us to trust in God’s compassion, to bring our needs before Him, and to believe in His power, knowing that He honors those who come to Him with humble, unwavering faith.

Let’s pray. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the power of a faith that persists. We are inspired by the courage and humility of the Canaanite woman, who trusted in Your mercy despite every obstacle. Help us to approach You with that same faith, knowing that Your love transcends all boundaries. May we learn to see others through eyes of compassion, as Jesus did, and to extend Your mercy to all. Strengthen our hearts so that we may persist in faith, even when challenges arise. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.