Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 15:21-28

"And Jesus went out thence, and withdrew into the parts of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a demon. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. But she came and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. And he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children`s bread and cast it to the dogs. But she said, Yea, Lord: for even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters` table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it done unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was healed from that hour." — Matthew 15:21-28 (ASV)

The dark corners of the country, the most remote, will share Christ's influences; afterwards, the ends of the earth will see His salvation. The distress and trouble of her family brought a woman to Christ; and though it is need that drives us to Christ, yet we will not therefore be driven from Him. She did not limit Christ to any particular instance of mercy, but mercy, mercy, is what she begged for: she does not plead merit, but depends upon mercy.

It is the duty of parents to pray for their children and to be earnest in prayer for them, especially for their souls. Do you have a son, a daughter, grievously vexed with a proud devil, an unclean devil, a malicious devil, led captive by him at his will? This is a case more deplorable than that of bodily possession, and you must bring them by faith and prayer to Christ, who alone is able to heal them. Many methods of Christ's providence, especially of His grace, in dealing with His people, which are dark and perplexing, may be explained by this story. This story teaches that there may be love in Christ's heart while there are frowns in His face, and it encourages us, though He seems ready to slay us, yet to trust in Him.

Those whom Christ most intends to honor, He humbles so that they feel their own unworthiness. A proud, unhumbled heart would not have borne this; but she turned it into an argument to support her request. The state of this woman is an emblem of the state of a sinner, deeply conscious of the misery of his soul. The least of Christ is precious to a believer, even the very crumbs of the Bread of Life.

Of all graces, faith honors Christ most; therefore, of all graces, Christ honors faith most. He cured her daughter. He spoke, and it was done. Hence, let those who seek help from the Lord, and receive no gracious answer, learn to turn even their unworthiness and discouragements into pleas for mercy.