When Jesus comes to the region of Tyre and Sidon, a foreign woman falls at Jesus’ feet and begs with a loud voice, “Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession. Please drive the demon out of her.”
Jesus does not answer a word. When His disciples comes to Him and urges Him to send the woman away, Jesus opens His mouth and answers, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
Again she kneels before Him and asks for help. However, Jesus is determined.
“It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs!”
“Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
Jesus admires the attitude of the woman who does not give up even when she hears the offendable words.
“Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And the demon gets driven out of her daughter from that very hour.
When you get bitterly rejected or hear harsh words, you are hurt and depressed. But the Canaanite woman was different. She begged Jesus earnestly more and more, thinking of her daughter who was suffering terribly from demon-possession. If we want to lead a soul to salvation, we need to remember the Canaanite woman who moved even God’s heart. If the desire to save a dying soul is greater than your pride, God will greatly admire you and give what you want.
“You have great faith! Your request is granted!”