Jesus Responds to Great Faith

Over the next few days, we will look at one courageous woman of great faith who needed her daughter to be healed. As the Biblical account states, Jesus traveled to different regions, teaching and healing the sick. As He entered the area of Phoenicia, a woman started yelling out after Him to heal her daughter. She was making a scene begging loudly for Jesus to heal her daughter. So much so until finally, Jesus’ disciples said, “Will you please just send her away?” 

It’s hard to believe that Jesus was non-responsive to this urgent plea, making him seem unkind and insensitive. The Bible states, “Jesus did not answer a word.” Do you ever feel that way when you’re praying to God? It’s easy to feel unheard and insignificant when it seems as if your petition or request is not being answered. Often you think that His answer is no. In this situation, Jesus answered, “I was sent only to the lost people of Israel.” This woman was not Jewish, but she was full of desperation. She knelt before the Lord again, asking for healing for her beloved daughter. Many would have given up! But this woman of great faith responded to God! She reminded Jesus there was enough goodness left over for even the Gentiles.

Friend, how did Jesus respond? “Woman, you have great faith.” Only twice in the Bible does Jesus respond like this! Jesus showed love to this woman and granted her request. In this Bible story, Jesus shows us that this woman of great faith, who had persistence, belief, and trust in Him, was heard and her prayers were answered!