The Crumbs from the Master's Table

Jesus and His disciples spent some time in the region of Gennesaret. While they were there, the people of that region brought all who had various ailments to the marketplaces and the countryside in hopes of just touching Jesus, even to just touch the hem of His garment. They believed that if they could touch Him, they would be made well.

Matthew 15:21 says, "Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon." Tyre was about thirty-two miles northwest of Gennesaret, located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, in what is modern-day Lebanon. Tyre is about twelve miles north of the modern-day border between Lebanon and Israel. Sidon is located about fifteen miles north of Tyre, also on the shore of the Mediterranean.

When Jesus arrives in the region between Tyre and Sidon, things begin to get interesting. "And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.' But He answered her not a word" (vv. 22-23a). She was concerned for her daughter because she was demon-possessed, so she sought out Jesus and pled for His help. But Jesus did nothing! He didn't answer her! He didn't even speak to her!

The passage continues: "And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, 'Send her away, for she cries out after us'" (v. 23b). She was apparently seeking help from the disciples, perhaps trying to get them to encourage Jesus to help her. It had come to the point where she was more annoying than anything. So the disciples went to Jesus, not to encourage Him to help her, but to ask Him to get rid of her and send her away!

"But He answered and said, 'I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel'" (v. 24). In earshot of this woman, He reminded His disciples that the Father sent Him to Israel to reach those who were lost, not to the Gentiles.

Having heard what was said, she responded in faith. "Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Lord, help me!' But He answered and said, 'It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs'" (vv. 25-26). Jesus wasn't about to let the Word of God be trampled under the feet of the heathen or unbelievers.

But note this woman's profound response: "And she said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table'" (v. 27). Wow! How true this is. Even the crumbs from the Master's table bring nourishment to the soul and salvation to the heart of all who seek Jesus.

"Then Jesus answered and said to her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed from that very hour" (v. 28). Again, Jesus recognized great faith. When He sees great faith, He rewards it. Here Jesus gave this woman her heart's desire. Her daughter was healed. The demon was cast out.

Jesus will reward you with your heart's desire as well, but you must trust Jesus. Come into His presence and lay your needs before Him. Come to His throne in faith and leave it all at His feet, and He will meet your needs. He will give you your heart's desire. He will give you His very best for you. Amen.