In Matthew 15:21-28 (also Mark 7:24-30) we see a short little story of Jesus healing someone; nothing unusual in that, the Gospels record at least 37 examples of Jesus interacting with, and healing, people who are disabled or unwell (see here for details); but this example is more significant than it first seems…

Where was she from

The woman in this story is Greek, from Syrian Phoenicia (part of modern day Syria, Lebanon and northern Israel, also known as Syrophoenicia).

Here we see Jesus reaching someone from outside of the traditional Jewish faith, with far reaching implications for us all.

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[photo_footer]The journey Jesus and the disciples took. / Photo via The Additional Needs Blogfather. [/photo_footer]

Understanding about her daughter

Her daughter is described as having a ‘demon’. This description is also given to another child that Jesus is asked to heal, and in that case the fuller description of the boy suggests that he may have had Epilepsy, a condition not understood in that era (see here that story and some thoughts about it ).

It is quite possible that this woman’s daughter also had Epilepsy, which without any understanding or treatment at the time would have been terrifying, and for the child could lead to physical injury, mental disability, and possibly death.

Jesus responds to the mother’s pleas, recognises her belief that he can heal her daughter, and the girl is instantly healed. So far so typical of the encounters that Jesus had with people who asked for healing either for themselves or for a loved one.

But, as is so often the case, there are five important teaching points surrounding this healing story that we must not lose sight of as they are relevant to us today:

1. The woman didn’t give in

Look at what she said to Jesus in v22 “Lord! Son of David! Have mercy on me!” She called him “Lord”, recognising his authority. She referred to him as “Son of David” recognising his lineage, and she asked for mercy, showing belief that this mercy was available to her and her daughter.

She is desperate, in v24 crying out “Lord! Help me!” and even though she is not Jewish, she stands her ground against the rebuttal of the disciples and even, initially, of Jesus himself, arguing her case well.

So well, in fact, that she changes the mind of the Son of God himself. And that signals forward to the future in powerful ways (see below).

2. The disciples lacked compassion

They want her to go away, in v27 begging Jesus to send her away as “She keeps crying out after us.” What a lack of compassion! Had they learned nothing from Jesus?

In a world today where compassion is equally rare, where people turn their backs on people who are not ‘one of us’, and who claim that ‘charity begins at home’, the attitude of the disciples here would sadly fit right in!

3. Jesus changed his mind

Even Jesus does not respond to her at first, and when he does respond, initially it is to reject her cry for help. Then starts a wonderful conversation between a desperate ‘foreign’ woman, and the one person on Earth who can save her daughter.

She is determined, doesn’t back down, gives it everything she has got. And Jesus sees her faith, the faith of a non-Jew, and he changes his mind and transforms the situation for the woman and her daughter.

4. The modern context

I’ve met many mothers and fathers of children with additional needs, and most of them have that same determination to fight for their child; so often the ‘system’ is against them, as the disciples and, initially at least, even Jesus himself was.

But they fight on, argue and struggle for their child, and often see a breakthrough, as the woman in this story did.

5. The eternal context

There is also something eternal that we can take from this story too, as it is hinting at the salvation that is to come to all people who believe in Jesus, wherever they are from.

Just as Jesus changed his mind to heal a ‘foreigner’s’ daughter, so he also opened up salvation to non-Jews who believe in him as well. This woman was a trailblazer for millions that followed! Are you one?

Mark Arnold, Director of Additional Needs Ministry at Urban Saints. Arnold blogs at The Additional Needs Blogfather. This article was re-published with permission.

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