Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
Matthew 15:23 NIV
In Matthew 15, we encounter the story of the Syrophoenician woman, a desperate mother seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter. Unlike many who approached Jesus, she wasn’t Jewish. This difference became evident when Jesus initially ignored her pleas, leading the disciples to urge him to dismiss her. While Jesus initially seems unresponsive, the woman’s persistent pleas ultimately demonstrate her unwavering faith in His ability to heal.
Meanwhile, the disciples focused on the annoyance of her persistence, Jesus saw her faith. He recognised that her relentless pursuit stemmed from a deep belief in his power to heal. He wasn’t simply responding to her words but to the unwavering faith behind them.
This story holds valuable lessons for us all. Firstly, it reminds us that God doesn’t discriminate based on ethnicity or background. Just as the woman, despite her outsider status, found solace in Jesus, we too can approach him regardless of our differences.
Secondly, it emphasises the importance of persistence in prayer. Jesus’ initial silence didn’t deter the woman. Likewise, she did not give a thought to the disciples’ words, urging Jesus to send her back. Instead, she remained persistent, knowing that true faith demands perseverance. Similarly, in our own lives, when faced with unanswered prayers, we must hold onto faith and continue seeking God’s guidance.
Thirdly, the story highlights the privilege of being a conduit for others’ faith. The disciples failed to realise this, hence, their injunction to send the woman away. As Christians, we often have the privilege of witnessing others seek God’s grace through us. This is not about us; it’s about acknowledging their ultimate desire to reach the divine. We become instruments, channels through which their prayers ascend. Therefore, we must not think too highly of ourselves like the disciples who said: “…she keeps crying out after us.” They failed to realise that the woman was only crying after Jesus and not “us” as they claimed.
Finally, the story offers a powerful message of hope and encouragement. Just as the woman’s daughter was ultimately healed, we too can trust that God hears our cries and responds in his perfect timing. We must not give up hope based on external factors, but remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God’s answers may unfold in ways we cannot anticipate.
Remember, God works in mysterious ways. The Syrophoenician woman’s story serves as a testament to his boundless love and the transformative power of unwavering faith. Let us learn from her example, persevere in our prayers, and trust that God’s timing is always perfect.
