Images of the Savior (29 – His Answering the Syro-Phoenician Woman)

And he answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and cast it to the dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, for even the dogs eat from the crumbs which fall from theirs masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said unto her, “O woman, great is your faith: let it be done unto you as you desire.” And here daughter was healed from that hour. – Matthew 15:26-28

Of the many lessons we may learn about the Savior from this account, the most notable is his utter resignation to the will of the Father, and his firm resolve not to do anything related to the work of redemption except in its own proper time; from which circumstance we may learn that all the acts of mercy and grace from the beginning of the world are indeed planned out by the sovereign counsel of the Father, and minutely executed by the Son. In this account, we may see this truth borne out, first, by Jesus’ unswerving commitment to the temporal priority of the children of Israel to the nations, in God’s redemptive design; and second, by his manner in responding to the personal request of a woman whose daughter he knew from the beginning that he should heal. In this latter circumstance we may find much that is well-suited to personal application, and so we will spend the greater part of our time on that point. But first, let us note what Jesus intended by his saying, “I am not sent except to the lost sheep of the House of Israel” (Matthew 15:24).

It is at once apparent from this phrase that Israel had a very definite temporal priority to the rest of the nations, in the redemptive design. For although Jesus had in fact been sent to be “the Savior of all men everywhere” (1 Timothy 4:10), just as had been prophesied of old (e.g. Isaiah 42:1-9), and even though he had often foreshadowed this universal grace in his dealings with certain Samaritans and Gentiles (e.g. John 4:1-45; Luke 7:1-10); still, the time for God’s grace to be poured out in mighty floods upon the nations had not yet come, and Jesus, who could do nothing apart from the Father’s will (see John 5:19-20), knew full well that it had not come, and acted most appropriately therefore. For in his public ministry, he poured himself out to the Jewish people, and did not at all go to the Gentile regions, save in exceptional circumstances. Even in this account, it would appear that he had only gone to the border of the regions of Tyre and Sidon, and that the woman had come there to him, having heard of his proximity (Matthew 15:21-22). Now, this time of the Jewish nation did not involve an utter cutting off of the Gentile peoples from the mercy of God, as we may learn from the account of Elijah’s visit to the Sidonian widow (1 Kings 17:8-24), and Elisha’s healing of Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5); but so rare and scattered were these acts of mercy, in the times of the prophets and likewise the time of Jesus’ public ministry, that they may well be compared to the scraps of the table, which are thrown to the dogs when once the children have had their fill. It was only after the resurrection, and the descent of the Spirit at Pentecost, that the time of the Gentiles would be fully ushered in; and even then, Jesus through his Spirit governed the times and manners in which the gospel would spread to the various nations, in exact accordance with the Father’s design, as we may learn from the Spirit’s forbidding the gospel to be preached in Asia, so that it might spread first to Europe (Acts 16:6-10). In all of these ways, we may see Jesus’ exact obedience to the Father’s pre-determined plan, in the accomplishment of the monumental work of redemption, and the securing of all its great effects.

What we have so far observed is that, there was a sense in which God’s redemptive work was centered on the nation of Israel, during the times of antiquity and extending through Jesus’ public ministry; but that this general design was accented by certain specific exceptions which marvelously foreshadowed a mighty future expansion. We must be sure that Jesus himself was well aware of each of these typical exceptions, being fully instructed in the divine counsel, and that he was, therefore, aware of the mercy which the Father had planned to be shown to this Syro-Phoenician woman. What, then, was his purpose in placing before her so many obstacles to the granting of her request, before he finally heard her pleas? We must acknowledge that, just as Jesus follows the Father’s exact will in the redemptive design as a whole, which we have just demonstrated, so he follows exactly the Father’s will in the application of that redemptive work to each person individually. Even as the Father has a broad plan, by which redemptive effects will be made to flourish in one region before another; so he has for each of his people a narrow plan, in which the specific mercies he has designed for that person will flow to him in their proper time. This plan is marvelously designed for each one of us to increase our faith and dependence upon the Son of God, and to cause our worship and gratitude to grow. Let us consider the case of this woman, and observe how many times God works in similar ways in our lives.

First, Jesus ignored her, although she called upon him in faith as the true Messiah, the Son of David, who is able to heal with a word. How she flooded his ears with her sincere and passionate pleas, overflowing from the depths of her soul with the faith that few of the children of Israel truly possessed, showing herself more truly a child of believing Abraham than they all. But Jesus, in response, simply does nothing. He does not answer her yes or no, but for all practical intents, he might not even had heard her. O believer, does he not often do the same with you? How many times have you come before him with a heavy heart, yearning for a renewed taste of his beauty and grace, heartbroken over a wayward child or a physical affliction, desiring to be freed from a besetting sin, and cry out as you may, he turns a deaf ear, and the heavens remain stony and silent? If this is the case with you now, do not lose heart, but be instructed by the case of this woman: Jesus does not delay to answer you for lack of love and compassion, but truest love, which understands fully the Father’s plan to work in you that which is eternally good, holds back his hand of tender help for a time, although his bowels greatly yearn to touch you, so that something better may fall out in the end. Do not doubt that the Father loves you, when he delays for a time to answer your prayer, but know that that very delay is divine love, working in you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

We find, next, that this woman persisted in her request so fervently that the disciples wearied of her and desired Jesus to grant her petition so that they might have some rest. If even Jesus’ disciples are moved by persistent prayer, must not Jesus himself be more so, whose infinite depths of compassion desire to work good for everyone who calls upon his name? If even the unjust judge will avenge the importunate victim, will not the Father, who is the very essence of Goodness, give the Spirit to those who persistently ask him (Luke 18:1-8)? Is it not necessary for us, as well, “always to pray and not to faint” (Luke 18:1), knowing that God is a God of grace and compassion, and that “the effectual prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16)?

And then, in response to the disciples’ request, Jesus gives the reasons why he should not respond to this woman, since she was a Gentile, and he was at that time sent to the House of Israel. But is this not a necessary truth to bring into full relief the greatness and deep meaning of this act of mercy, when it had later been accomplished? If no one considered beforehand how exceptional and merciful an act it should be to extend grace to one who was not born into the covenant of Abraham, it should not be so great a cause for marvel than if the lack of basis were fully established ahead of time. Does this method of proceeding not glorify the freeness of God’s grace? This woman had no claim whatsoever that should entitle her to the fulfillment of her request, she had no basis on which she might confidently approach the King and ask of him her boon. Now, let us ask ourselves if this is not the same in our lives. Before we were made to seek the grace of the Savior, did he not impress upon us through the terrors of his law, the fury of his wrath, and the weight of our deep sinfulness, how utterly unworthy we were to come before him on any merit or supposed basis of our own, did he not show us how extraordinary an act of condescension it should be if he granted our plea for mercy, and did he not thereby glorify the freeness of his grace by taking away any basis we had for approaching him? Let us learn well from this example.

Next, we see how this rough dispensation of turning to this woman a deaf ear, as it were, turns out to the growth of her faith. For before, she called upon him as the Son of David; and now, growing ever more desperate, she not only calls upon him, but casts herself down at his feet to worship him. Thus through the heavy means of unanswered prayer, a truer worship and a deeper dependence spring up, as faith grows from one degree to another. I ask you again, dear believer, is it not the same with you? Then do not despise the hard times of soul-deep barenness, as you cry out to your Savior, but can see no opening in the irony heavens. Even this heavy hand of Providence is working for your good.

Now we see how this woman is driven to plead with her Savior on the basis of his revealed mercies. For it is true, she grants, that she is but a dog, unworthy of any mercy; and yet, she eloquently reasons that the crumbs of God’s mercy have ever descended upon the believing remnant of the nations; and that these crumbs of mercy were therefore most appropriate for her. Ah, this is where God’s temporary refusal to hear us must lead: to the true foundations for our hope and expectation of something good from his hand. When God reminds you, “What are you or what have you that I should deal leniently with you,” do not dare to suggest that you deserve his goodness after all, even as this woman did not deny that she was but a dog before him. Instead, say, “It is true that I am nothing, and I have no price in my hand; but I thirst, and is it not fitting that the thirsty should drink from the Spring of Life? Did you not exhort us, ‘Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters, and he who has no money, come, buy and eat, come buy wine and milk without money and without price’ (Isaiah 55:1)? Ah, Jesus, did you not call out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink’ (John 5:37)? I thirst for you, my Savior and my God, and with no money in my hand, and no plea save your mercies and your promises, I approach you in desperation and confident hope.” When this woman, persevering through all obstacles, made her plea on the basis of her own unworthiness and the merciful acts of God, he did not finally turn her away. How much less will he turn us away, who live in the times of the outpouring of God’s Spirit and grace upon all the nations?

2 Responses to “Images of the Savior (29 – His Answering the Syro-Phoenician Woman)”

  1. michael says:
    June 20, 2007 at 1:32 pm

    Nathan

    again, this is fine dining!

    I am excited by your words here.

    I point to something I have been thinking on and pondering from the Word after an experience I had in Japan a few years ago.

    First to the food from Scripture:

    Rom 1:5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, Rom 1:6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, Rom 1:7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Act 16:5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. Act 16:6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. Act 16:7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. Act 16:8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. Act 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

    1Pe 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1Pe 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

    These three passages of Scripture, first, Romans, second, Acts and third, 1 Peter have been a source of understanding for me and as I read your article it comes back to me to make a point from them and see how you respond to it then, ok?

    Now to the story from those days in Japan. I have done a lot of traveling, about 30 countries now after 33 years of active ministry.

    One place I have found myself going back to is Japan. Why just yesterday my son Hosea was saying he was sensing God directing him to visit Japan. He has been there before, as a toddler but now that he is sixteen he brings this up with me over dinner!

    On one occasion I was asked to come and develop an outreach to the Japanese. I was several years earlier in Pataya, Thailand at a conference. There I met missionaries from other parts of the “Pacific Rim”. One meeting opened a door for me to come to Japan and visit. After that initial visit I was invited back to do this evangelism training of these missionaries and their new Japanese converts.

    2Ti 4:5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

    This group earned their keep by teaching English to the Japanese. So on any given day at the rented quarters you would be speaking Japanese and English to either the “Japanese” converts or to those who hired the Missionaries to teach them English.

    I came and began teaching some things on evangelism. We then decided to do a public “outreach” with puppets at train stations bringing the Japanese converts into the “hands on” evangelism.

    After we got our permits to set up at a prefecture we would go and set up and do our little puppet dramas, tongues and interpretation, ah, English and then Japanese, in the morning during the morning rush time. We would be there about 2 and half hours or so. The first morning at this train station not one Japanese person stopped to listen to us even though there were thousands and thousands of Japanese all around walking by or waiting for trains or shopping in the markets and shops. After, we went back home and did our “debrief” of that day. The next day the same. No one stopped to listen to our meritorious efforts at Evangelistic outreach to these lost Japanese souls! After a full five days of this you sensed discouragement filling the air and soul of the missionaries and the converts as the expectation was GREAT REVIVAL hitting Chiba Ken and many converts would come for discipleship training and the whole of Japan would be Won for Jesus! I don’t believe it is all bad to have great hopes in God?

    Well later that fifth day something came to me to do the next day. I called for a fast to begin the next day and that maps of that area around this train station would be made available that next morning. I wanted everyone to pray over these maps laying hands on them and asking the Lord to break any spiritual opposition in the air that prevented the people from receiving the Gospel story as we portrayed it with our puppet dramas.

    Instead of waking up, praying and preparing food for the day, we had more time because we were fasting, to gather together and pray in small groups while laying our hands on the maps laid out on tables. We were doing this as a “step” of FAITH. It did seem peculiar to do at first but we did it anyway.

    We spent an hour or so praying for the area around this train station asking the Lord to “clear” the air so to speak and free these people from any oppression as there were thousands and thousands of them who passed through this train station daily.

    We then went to the train station and set up our booth and did our puppet show. We saw one person stop that day and stand there and listen to the presentation. We felt a bit hopeful seeing this one lone soul stop and stand still and listen then leave before we could talk to them or hand them literature about the things of the Lord.

    The next day we did the same. We were still fasting so we had more time to just come around tables and lay hands on the maps and pray that the Lord would again clear the air over the train station. This day we saw several more people stopping and listening.

    Our hope increased some more. We did this each morning for another three or four days. By this time after we set up we literally saw a thousand, maybe two thousand people stopped and standing and listening to us!! They also were accepting our literature as we handed it out. Around these train stations in Japan, and there are many of these stations, there are high rise apartment buildings. One day for some reason I looked up and to my amazement there were people standing on the balconies looking down and listening to our puppet show presentation.

    We began to pray with people, young and old. We saw the Lord move in that area in a mighty way.

    Now, how does this apply here to what you are pointing too and those verses of Scripture, Romans, Acts and 1 Peter?

    Well, I was pondering those verses one day and this came to me, something I was not expecting to understand.

    The Lord told me that He assigns certain people to areas of the world just like God, Our Heavenly Father assigned Him to that little patch of dirt, I quote: “the PROMISED LAND”. Wow I thought, now it makes sense to me why the Holy Ghost would stop some from entering into an area that He did not want to go into and direct them to go to other areas instead. I was thinking before this ‘revelation” that it was the devils, the demons who prevented men from coming into an area, not God. But now somewhat sheepishly I realize God is in charge of where the Gospel goes, not the demons. He has His ways of doing things and devils cannot stop Him from building His CHURCH even in our day and time.

    As you can see from Romans, Paul makes a reference to an “APOSTLESHIP”. An apostle is one sent.

    We see in Acts 16 something like traffic cops directing traffic, you go here and you go there. Of course Jesus and the Holy Ghost are more than traffic cops!

    We see there at 1 Peter, Peter laying out the places he was “sent” to! See, 1Pe 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,…., Bithynia was an area Jesus’ Spirit forbid Paul’s apostolic company from entering while we see Peter write that by the foreknowledge of God he was sent there apparently to complete an apostolic work given specifically for him to complete?

    Anyway, that’s my story and I am sticking to it!

    Was that off the charts and overly spiritual in interpretation? I hope not as I kinda see the same thing being taught in your article.

    I am open to learn and be instructed and corrected on these points.

    michael

  2. pitchford says:
    June 21, 2007 at 12:39 am

    Michael,

    Thanks for sharing your testimony of God’s sovereign power! Yes, demons do oppose the work of the Gospel, but ultimately it is God who sovereignly causes it to spread according to his will, and through the prayers and labors of his saints which his grace produces in them. And I believe you are correct, that God brings certain people into certain areas, just as you pointed out with the example of Paul and Peter.

    Thanks for the comment, and rich blessings from Christ, Nathan

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