Matthew 15:22
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
Matthew 15:22
This verse introduces an interaction with a Canaanite (Phoenician) woman who cries out to Jesus for mercy for her demon-possessed daughter. Her plea is bold and persistent: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David.” She invokes messianic expectations and acknowledges Jesus’ authority, yet she is a Gentile and a woman in a male-dominated culture. Her approach challenges typical expectations: she addresses Jesus directly, expresses faith, and asks for mercy in a situation that demands supernatural intervention. The use of “Canaanite” also signals a remembered history of conflict between Israel and that land, adding tension to the scene. The request arises in the wake of Jesus’ withdrawal to Gentile territories, and the woman’s faith becomes a test case for the reception of non-Jews into God’s mercy.
This moment foregrounds inclusive mercy and the breaking of barriers between Jew and Gentile. The woman’s faith is highlighted as commendable, even in the face of cultural and social obstacles. The exchange foreshadows Paul’s later teaching that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, and it validates faith as the key criterion for receiving God’s grace. Theologically, it also reveals Jesus’ ministry being shaped by faith more than lineage, intent that all who call on him will be heard. The scene invites believers to consider the nature of petition, humility, and trust before God, especially when God’s response seems delayed or constrained by other purposes.
We can learn from the woman’s bold, persistent faith. When facing a difficult need, don’t shrink back because you feel unworthy or unlikely to fit in. Bring your requests to Jesus with humility and persistence, recognizing that God’s timing may require growth or testing of faith. The encounter also calls believers to intercessory compassion for family members or friends struggling with affliction. Practically, you can pray with tenacity, seek supportive community, and be ready to adjust expectations while trusting God’s overarching plan. It encourages humility—acknowledging you’re dependent on God’s mercy rather than your own merit.
Cross-References: Mark 7:25-30; Luke 11:9-13; Romans 9:24-26; Galatians 3:28; 1 Timothy 2:1-6