A desperate mother of a suffering child will stop at nothing to get help. She’ll seek out every expert, go any distance, and make every sacrifice to ensure her child is once again well and whole. Such a mother is singleminded and relentless. She remains a powerful and persistent force until someone finally attends to her plea for help.

That’s the story of the Syrophoenician woman, also called the Canaanite woman in scripture. She would humble herself. She would plead. She would reason. And she would leave with the miracle she sought.

A Bold Move

It happened as Jesus withdrew covertly to the Gentile-heavy region of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15:21). But news of His arrival circulated nonetheless. The mother of a demon-possessed girl learned about it and knew this was her chance.

But some obstacles faced her. She was Greek. He was trying to remain off the radar. However, none of that mattered in the face of her daughter’s well-being.

She cried out to Jesus over and over for help, but He remained silent. His disciples begged Him to send her away. He didn’t. But then finally He responded.

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” But she came and knelt before Him, saying “Lord, help me.”—Matthew 15:21-25 (ESV)

Knowing she may never again see Jesus, the woman escalated her entreaty. She came boldly before the throne of grace. 

What She Knew

So Jesus reinforced His need to focus on His mission, prompting the pleading mother to appeal to reason.

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 master’s table.”—Matthew 15:26-27 (ESV)

Jesus likened the woman’s position before Him to that of a cherished family pet that would eat food from the table only after the family finished a meal. The woman understood that—and more. She understood hope sat before her.

This is the reality she saw:

Jesus is available.

He is able.

He is all powerful.

He is the source of abounding grace.

The Fruit of Faith

Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). And Jesus was pleased with the woman’s quick but thoughtful response.

Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.—Matthew 15:28 (ESV)

For what does your child need healing? From sickness? From emotional or mental health struggles? From poor self-esteem? From unbelief? 

Jesus remains available.

He is forever able.

He continues to be all powerful.

And His grace is beyond measure.

Remember the faith, courage and persistence of the Syrophoenician mother. Humble yourself before the Lord. Ask, seek and knock. Then keep asking, seeking and knocking. He hears. He cares. And He alone is our living hope.

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This is Part 5 in a series about biblical women—some named, some not, some honorable, some less so. But all have earned a place in scripture, and all have important lessons to teach us.