Matthew 15: 21-28
Our sermon today was a story about a Canaanite woman living in the area of Tyre and Sidon. In order to appreciate the meaning of Jesus’ conversation with the woman, it is important to understand the history of the people and the area where this story takes place, The following paragraphs include some background information about the Canaanites.
The location of Tyre & Sidon:
Tyre was an island that was rich in water, food, and wood. It is located directly opposite the coastal city of Sidon, known worldwide for trade and skilled shipbuilding. Purple dye developed from mollusk shells was made in Sidon and desired throughout the world. Both cities were important seaports considered to be Canaanite and located in what is now Lebanon.
Because of the many resources in Tyre and Sidon, Alexander the Great desired to conquer the area and did so by building a causeway out into the Mediterranean, connecting Tyre and the mainland. He enslaved or killed the people and the island ultimately became a province of the Roman Empire.
Who were the Canaanites?
Descendants of the son of Ham were considered to be Canaanites. They primarily lived in Tyre and Sidon and were “traders” or “merchants.” The name is also sometimes used to designate the non-Israelite inhabitants of the land.
In the Book of Joshua found in the Old Testament the Israelites entering the Promise Land were directed by God to destroy the Canaanites, who had corrupted themselves with false pagan religions. They were aware of the one true God, but rejected him choosing to live in a sinful society. God did not want the Nation of Israel to live among heathens who would corrupt and influence them as they entered the Promise Land.
Why did Jesus go to Tyre and Sidon?
Jesus withdrew from Galilee to the area of Tyre and Sidon, an area where paganism and opposition to Jews was known to be unfriendly territory to Jesus. Some people believe that Jesus was weary from teaching the masses. Some people believe that he was known in Galilee and he had not finished his work before his persecution by the Romans so he went to a place that no one would find him.
The Story:
Jesus left Galilee and walked several miles to the area of Tyre and Sidon. He entered a house and asked that no one know he was there when a Canaanite women entered, greeted him as the “Son of David,” fell on her knees and begged him to heal her daughter from a demon.
The disciples knew that this woman was a Gentile, a pagan, a woman, and considered unclean according to the standards of the day. The disciples urged Jesus to send her away.
Jesus spoke to her saying, “First let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”
The woman responded, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
Jesus was pleased with her response and told her to go home to her daughter. “The demon is gone.”
The Meaning of the story:
The woman in our story recognized Jesus as the “Son of David.” She called him Lord. She begged for mercy and a miracle. This woman, who was considered unclean, was not the pagan that the disciples thought her to be.
Jesus did not respond immediately to her begging, but called her a “dog.” His harsh words seem unkind and uncaring to those who don’t understand, but the woman kneeled to him as to a king and responded, “even dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” This was a woman who humbly begged Jesus to help save her child. His words to her could only be understood by someone who believed that Jesus had great love for the "children” (people of Israel), and enough love to spare (crumbs) for “dogs under the table,” (all who were considered unclean and unworthy).
Pastor Sarah told us that Jesus and the woman worked together to spark our imagination.
She wondered what it would mean for us to listen to cries by those who need help and to listen to the unclean and unworthy.
“What if we make it a tradition that everyone is welcome at the table?”
“Great is your Faith.
Let it be done for you,
As you wish.”