Crumbs from the Master's Table | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Crumbs from the Master's Table | Previous Challenge Entry
By Michol Ludwig
02/18/16
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Have you ever wanted something for someone so badly that you were willing to make a spectacle of yourself to get it? It is just that kind of determination from a Canaanite woman that freed her daughter of a demon (Matthew 15: 21-28). This woman was not afraid to risk embarrassment for what she wanted. She ignored social customs, boldly approaching Jesus and his disciples. She acted unbecoming of a woman, making a scene, begging Jesus to heal her daughter. She was persistent.

Jesus initially ignored her requests. Despite this, she continued to pursue him for her daughter’s healing. Jesus told the woman, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Even this did not dissuade her. She wouldn’t give up, “Lord help me she begged.” When Jesus finally did answer her, he said, “It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs."

Hearing this, the woman could have easily been angered or discouraged, and given up. Quite the opposite was true. Instead, she humbled herself, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table."

This woman’s humility moved Jesus. "Woman, great is your faith! For saying that, you may go -- the demon has left your daughter."

There is much we can learn from this Canaanite woman and her persistence. Boldly we should approach the throne and make our requests known to God. Even when it seems he won’t answer, we shouldn’t give up.

Consider this excerpt from gotquestions.org:

Jesus frequently tested people to prove their intentions, often through response questions or challenges (see John 4:16–18; and 4:50–53). His response to the Canaanite woman is similar. In testing her, Jesus declined her request and explained that she had no legitimate expectation of His help. The woman, however, lived out the principle Jesus Himself taught in the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1–8). Her response proved that she understood fully what Jesus was saying, yet had enough conviction to ask anyway (Matthew 15:27). Jesus acknowledged her faith—calling it “great”—and granted her request (Matthew 15:28).

Is there something that you are seeking God for? Be like the Canaanite woman, humbling yourself before him, and persisting in prayer. The Bible encourages us to do so. 1 Chronicles 16:11 says that we should “Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing,” while Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” God will surely hear your cries and honor your requests when you pray according to his Word.

My prayer for you is that your faith will endure and that you will have the confidence to chase after God just as the Canaanite woman did.

References:
Holy Bible (KJV)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barbara-kay-lundblad/on-scripture-matthew-15-teaching-jesus_b_921497.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C_MkuWZTQc
http://www.gotquestions.org/Canaanite-woman-dog.html

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