Matthew 15 Devotional

No Claim but Mercy

““O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”Matthew 15:28 (BSB)

The chapter begins with teachers from Jerusalem whose worship, Jesus says, is words without hearts (15:7-9). Then it turns to a woman with no claim at all. She is a Canaanite from the region of Tyre and Sidon, crying out for mercy because a demon torments her daughter (15:22). At first Jesus says nothing. The disciples want her sent away, and Jesus says he was sent to Israel's lost sheep (15:23-24). When he says the children's bread should not be thrown to dogs, she does not argue. She agrees, and asks only for what falls from the table (15:26-27).

Jesus calls her faith great, and her daughter is healed that same hour (15:28). She brought no standing and no merit, only confidence that even the scraps of his mercy would be enough. Crowds lay their sick at his feet and praise the God of Israel, and he feeds thousands out of compassion (15:30-37). If you feel you have no claim on him, you are in exactly the right place to ask.

To think about: What would you ask Jesus for today if you stopped thinking you first had to deserve his help?