— a reflection by Bob Young for June 21, 2026.
During a period between great miracles in the Book of Matthew, Jesus appeared to be seeking some alone time by traveling to the District of Sidon and Tyre, a distinctly Gentile territory with a complicated relationship with Israel – at times commercial partners, but also one with deep religious and cultural differences.
Apparently, this area was not far enough away for such rest because word of Jesus and his activities were spreading like wildfire. Upon arriving, Jesus was approached by a Canaanite woman whose daughter was suffering. Let us remember that Canaanites were the people that Israel was supposed to have destroyed upon possessing the land that God had provided for them, but did not do so completely, and were not supposed to intermarry.
Jesus’ initial response seemed uncharacteristically dismissive, saying that his ministry was primarily directed to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. The woman humbly persisted, not giving up while facing apparent rejection. She also addressed him as “Lord, son of David”. Her use of his messianic title might have indicated that her understanding of Christ’s role may have been as advanced as that of the disciples.
Based upon her “great faith” and complete dependence on his mercy, the healing of her daughter was immediate, transcending differences of culture, ethnicity and religious affiliation. It should be noted here that scripture only mentions Jesus using the term “great faith” twice, both cases involving Gentiles. (The other recipient of that pronouncement was the Roman Centurian in Matthew 8:5-13.) Importantly, this story foreshadowed the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation.
Footnote — For modern readers of scripture, Jesus addressed the Canaanite as “woman”. In modern parlance, the term comes across as disrespectful or impersonal. In Jesus’ time, it was a dignified term for an adult female that he also used to relate to his mother, even from the cross.
Bob Young
PAINTING ABOVE:
Jean-Germain Drouais, Christ and the Canaanite Woman, 1784.
