Daily Devotionnfor March 16 - Matthew 15:21 - 28

Verse

Matthew 15:21-28 – "And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.’ But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she is crying out after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ And He answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly."

Meditation

Faith persists where sight sees no hope. This Canaanite woman, an outsider to Israel, recognizes in Jesus what many in Israel fail to see: He is the Son of David, the promised Messiah. Though at first met with silence, she does not waver. Even when Jesus' response seems harsh, she clings to His mercy. She does not demand but humbly accepts even the smallest portion of His grace, knowing that even a "crumb" from the Lord is more than enough. Jesus commends her great faith, a faith that perseveres beyond obstacles, trusting in the Lord’s goodness even when it seems hidden. This is the faith to which we are called—a faith that does not waver, does not demand, but trusts wholly in the mercy of Christ.

Old Testament

Psalm 86:5 – "For You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon You."

The psalmist reminds us that God's mercy is not limited—He hears all who call upon Him in faith.

Collect

O Lord of mercy, who hears the cries of those who call upon You in faith, grant us steadfast trust in Your goodness, that we may not waver in doubt but persist in prayer, knowing that even the smallest portion of Your grace is sufficient for our every need, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Verse

"Jesus, sinners doth receive;
Oh, may all this saying ponder
Who in sin's delusions live
And from God and heaven wander!
Here is hope for all who grieve—
Jesus sinners doth receive." (LSB 609:1)