At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour. Matthew 15:21-28
In this passage the gentile woman expressed that she believed Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus tested her faith by appearing to ignore her. The gentile woman in her humiliation expressed humility and faith to Jesus by saying that even those deemed unworthy would receive Christ’s love and compassion. Her humility and faith was evident, she was rewarded and her daughter was healed. Jesus wants to test each one of us. What would it take for each of us to express humility and a deeper faith in Christ?
Reflect today on how God is testing you to draw you to a deeper faith by silence, delay, or trial. Is he calling you to deeper humility and trust? Welcome those moments of divine testing for they are how you will grow in grace with God.