Christ Responds to Persistent Plea
A turning point occurs in Matt 12
where mounting antagonism by
Jewish religious leaders erupts
into open denunciation of Jesus.
They demand yet another sign
to substantiate Jesus’ messianic
claims. After a rude reception
in His home town of Nazareth,
Jesus withdraws across the
Sea of Galilee to Tyre and Sidon
to escape growing opposition.
Lord, we Seek Your Compassion:
Behold a woman of Canaan… cried
out to Him… Have mercy on me
O Lord, Son of David! My daughter
is severely demon-possessed.
But He answered her not a word.
And His disciples urged Him
saying: Send her away… But He
answered… I was not sent except
to the lost sheep of… Israel. Then
she came & worshiped Him saying,
Lord help me! But He answered…
It is not good to take the children’s
bread and throw it to the little dogs.
And she said: Yes Lord, yet even
the little dogs eat the crumbs
which fall from their masters’ table.
Then Jesus answered to her:
O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be to you as you desire.
And her daughter was healed
from that very hour (Mt 15:22-28)
Lord Jesus, we realise Your initial
silence towards the Cannanite
woman was not a reflection of
Your unwillingness to help her;
but rather it was meant to prompt
her to draw closer. In the end
her humility in midst of prejudice
and great persistence despite
multiple barriers proved her faith.
Lord, in Your mercy grant us the
needed strength to persist. Amen.
Lord, we note the touching prayers
offered by the Canaanite woman:
“Have Mercy on me O Lord” and
“Lord Help me!” which not only
imply faith that Christ could deliver
her daughter, but also appeals to
Your compassion & lovingkindness.
We’ll note that in our point of need.
And make us O Lord as Your people
to be more trusting, merciful and
compassionate. In Jesus’ name.
Lord Jesus, may my hunger for
Your voice makes me persist
through Your period of silence.
Gracious Lord, please draw me
closer to You in such times.
Help me to keep asking, keep
seeking and keep knocking for
You are a good and merciful God.
And let me discover the depths of
Your nature when I am searching
& waiting for Your response. Amen.