A Lost Sheep
Matthew 15:21–28
In every country, every nation,
and maybe even in your town, there are
places most people avoid.
The people who live in those communities don’t
mingle with the rest of society. These places are often
marked by crime and darkness. Yet many churches and
ministries move into
those areas to
shine the light of the gospel.
Not long after
He fed the five thousand,
Jesus withdrew to Gentile territory.
He had
been rejected by His own in Nazareth.
His cousin John had been killed by Herod.
The religious leaders were escalating their opposition.
So, the plan
was to go through the Gentile region,
into
Judea, and ultimately to Jerusalem.
Near the infamous pagan cities of Tyre and Sidon, Jesus and
His disciples encountered a Canaanite woman. In the Old Testament,
the Canaanites were the most wicked and despised of Israel’s enemies.
Much of that cultural tension remained in Jesus’ day.
Despite her reputation, the woman approached Jesus.
She repeatedly called Him “Lord,” and
begged Him for mercy.
Her daughter was demon possessed, and she was desperate.
She showed her familiarity with
Messianic prophesy
by calling
Jesus the “Son of David.”
Just three miles away was the pagan temple to Eshmun,
a god of healing.
This woman was surely familiar with this place.
Yet she chose to come to Jesus.
When Jesus did not immediately acknowledge her request,
His disciples
assumed He would send her away.
Instead,
Jesus engaged her in banter during which
He maintained His commitment
to
reach Israel
(“lost sheep”)
She told him that even the Gentiles (“dogs”) would
be blessed by
the
Jewish Messiah
Her answer showed her faith. Jesus affirmed her belief
and
healed her daughter.
Are there people or places
you see as beyond the reach of the gospel?
Ask God how He wants you or your church
to serve them.
No one is beyond His love or reach,
and
many are searching for the hope
only He can bring!
Pray with Us
This story moves us to gratitude that You have
opened salvation
to the Gentiles, as well as the Jewish people!
None of us deserves Your grace, but You freely give it.
May we proclaim Your mercy to others as undeserving
and needy as ourselves.