SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 15:21-28
Jesus now traveled to Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman came to ask Jesus to help her daughter who was possessed by a demon. At first, Jesus did not answer. Apparently, the woman kept begging, prompting the disciples to ask Jesus to send her away. Jesus said he was sent to help only Israelites. The woman kept begging and showed great faith, so Jesus healed her daughter.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28
9a) Because they would be preaching to the Gentiles after he died.
b) “Lord, Son of David.” This shows she understands who Jesus really is — the son of God.
10a) A Canaanite woman came to ask Jesus to help her daughter who was possessed by a demon. At first, Jesus did not answer. Apparently, the woman kept begging, prompting the disciples to ask Jesus to send her away. Jesus said he was sent to help only Israelites. The woman kept begging and showed great faith, so Jesus healed her daughter.
b) He was testing her faith and that of the disciples
11a) She never gives up hope in Jesus to heal her daughter. She realizes who Jesus is and humbles herself. She never loses faith or hope in Jesus.
b) The same. To never give up. To keep praying. And to not lose faith or hope in Jesus.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28
I love when Jesus helps those who are persistent. I’m very persistent myself.
Great read for all!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28
Tyre and Sidon were located on the Mediterranean Sea about 20 miles apart from each other. They were about 50 miles travel distance from where Jesus was in Galilee. These were Gentile cities, so why would Jesus go there? To help this woman.
She came as an intercessor for her daughter. This gives us hope when we pray for others, too.
Jesus healed other Gentiles (Matthew 4:24-25; 8:5-13) but always before in Jewish territory. Here, he is in Gentile territory.
The woman irritated the disciples, so they asked Jesus to heal her so she’d leave.
Jesus clearly states he is here for the Jews.
The woman did not back down. She continued asking for healing for her daughter.
Jesus called the woman a “little dog,” which was a traditional slur towards Gentiles. Household dogs were entitled to a portion.
The woman did not argue; she knew she was low. Instead, she continued to ask for Jesus’s help and blessing.
All she asks for is the crumbs — which his all any of us are worthy of.
Fun Fact: This is the only time Jesus tells someone their faith is great.
This is the only story recorded of Jesus’s ministry in Tyre and Sidon. It appears Jesus traveled all this way just to meet her. How awesome is that!
This woman had a need, and she never gave up. She knew who Jesus was and she kept pursuing him.
*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.