“Send her away, Jesus!” the disciples begged. This woman has been following ever since they entered the region of Tyre and Sidon. She was becoming truly annoying! The disciples did not even understand why Jesus led them out of Galilee into this Canaanite land. When have they ever wanted anything to do with these Gentiles? Yet they entered the region, and this woman immediately started asking Jesus for help. The disciples just wanted her to go away!

Jesus continued walking but remained quiet. Again, the men requested for Jesus to send her away. Answering, He said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24) Then the woman fell at His feet in worship, repeating her request for His help. Her daughter was being tormented by a demon, and she knew Jesus could help them – only He could help them. The conversation that followed confused the disciples.

^“And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” (Matthew 15:26-27)

Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, the woman humbly made her point, a point Jesus knew needed to be made. Jesus had come to save sinners – regardless of whether they were Jew or Gentile, and her words expressed her faith in the One who brought salvation to the world.

Maybe this moment was the one that started a change in the thinking of His disciples. The meeting with this Gentile woman was meant to teach them. The woman knew it was not her nationality that made her acceptable to God but her heart of faith. Jesus saw that faith and “answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.” (Matthew 15:28)

Jesus longs for people to come to Him. He does not care who they are. He just looks for a heart of faith. The disciples eventually understood that as well. As He ascended into heaven, Jesus commissioned the disciples.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Acts 2 records the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled them with His power. As Peter preached to the crowd, he shared “that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21)

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we share in that same commission. We are to go into the world and share Christ with all who will believe. Even those who seem so far away from God may turn to Him in faith through a seed you have planted. So, share your “crumbs” and watch God work as others come to Him with a heart of faith.