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.” (Matthew 15)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. This Canaanite woman is crying out for help. This sounds like the beginning of the Divine Service. The Kyrie, Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.
But her cry seems to be falling on deaf ears. No answer. Many would simple give up. Not this Canaanite woman. She is persistent in coming to Jesus. But now she is facing roadblocks. The Disciples want her to leave. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” (Matt. 15) They see her as a pain, after all she is making such a fuss about having Jesus hear. Lady move along, we all have problems, now leave Jesus alone.
But not her. There is no quit in her. She continues to cry out, even turning up the volume with her cry to Jesus. She plowed right through the Disciples. But now Jesus seems to be putting up a roadblock. “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matt. 15) She knows that she is not an Israelite. She also knows who Jesus is – the Savior of the world. She falls down on her knees before the Lord.
“Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” (Matt. 15) For most this would be it. Many would be insulted at being called a dog. Anger with a lawsuit to follow. But not this Canaanite Dog. She gives her amen to Jesus. Yes, Jesus you are right, I am a dog. I too am a dog, a poor miserable sinner. Confessing our sins to the Lord. All the while we hold on to Jesus our Savior from our sin.
Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” (Matt. 15)
GREAT FAITH! Great faith confesses our sin to the Lord. Great faith holds on to Jesus. Great faith confesses Jesus as Lord. Great faith cries out to Jesus for mercy. Great faith seeks out Jesus. Great faith prays to Jesus looking for all good. Jesus told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18)
Do not let roadblocks keep you from Jesus. Do not build your own roadblock (or excuses) to keep you from Jesus. Be a persistent dog calling on the name of the Lord. Be in the Divine Service. Hear the Word of God ringing in your ears. Dogs, have your sins forgiven. Dogs, come to feast on much more than a crumb, feed on the Body and Blood of Jesus given to you. ‘In him we live and move and have our being’ (Acts 17). In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
From God Can Nothing Move Me LSB 713:4
Each day at His good pleasure God’s gracious will is done.
He sent His greatest treasure In Jesus Christ, His Son.
He ev’ry gift imparts.
The bread of earth and heaven Are by His kindness given.
Praise Him with thankful hearts!