Jesus desired seclusion from the excited crowds, the hostel spying of the Pharisees, and he just needed some peace and quiet…so He chose to find it in heathen territory. But our attention is particularly drawn to the response (or lack thereof) He gives this woman. First He ignores her, then by use of some colorful metaphors (children and dogs) He responds to her with a rebuke saying He has come to the Jews. But she is a good debater, and this probably impressed Jesus too, because He also was an expert debater.

Ever wonder why Jesus never lost an argument? It’s because He was classically trained in the art of debate. From childhood He was in the temple, sitting with the learned men, learning how to debate. So when He says to this woman, “For such a reply, you may go;” I lean towards the real possibility that besides this demonstration of great faith (according to Matthew’s account), she especially knows how to argue.

So despite her not being someone from the Jewish people, despite being of pagan descent, despite being a woman, Jesus (who is WELL within His right to deny and ignore her) changes His mind and gives her everything she is haggling for. Her daughter was healed that very moment.

Visit us at: https://emanuellodi.com/