The Canaanite Woman's Bold Faith

"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." - Ephesians 2:13 (NKJV)

Do you remember what it was like to be lost? Paul is trying to help the Gentiles understand what they had before Jesus came into their lives. They were on the outside looking in. They had no Christ, no citizenship in God's family, no covenant with God, no hope, and were without God in the world.

This reminds me of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15. She comes to Jesus begging for help with her demon-possessed daughter. At first, Jesus won't even acknowledge her - won't even answer her a word. Can you imagine the feeling of her rejection? His disciples finally say, "Send her away, for she cries out after us" (Matthew 15:23). She's being loud and persistent, and they want her to leave.

When she keeps pressing, Jesus finally responds: "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." In other words, "I'm Israel's Messiah, not yours." Then He says something that would be completely politically incorrect today: "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs" (v.26). He's calling her a dog, saying she's not part of the family of God.

But, do you know what this woman said with incredible faith? "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table" (v.27). She acknowledged her position - "Yes, I'm not a Jew" - but she believed even the crumbs from Jesus would be enough. That's bold faith.

Jesus was so impressed, He said, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire" (v.28). And her daughter was healed immediately. Jesus was interacting with this non-Jewish woman to show the faith that she had to His own Jewish disciples.

That's the invitation Paul describes here. You who were far off - you outsiders, you who had no place at the table - have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Not just invited to come closer, but actually brought near. You, Jews and Gentiles alike, belong in God's family now.

Reflection Question: Can you remember what it felt like to be on the outside looking in before Jesus brought you near? How should that memory affect how you treat others today?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when I was far off, without hope and without You, You brought me near through the blood of Jesus. Help me never forget what it felt like to be lost so that I can have compassion on others who are still on the outside. Use me to help bring them near to You. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "Jesus Brings Us Close" (Ephesians 2:11-18): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/vzn9mr6/9-jesus-brings-us-close-eph-2-11-18