Today, I want to continue exploring the remarkable faith of the Syrophoenician woman. The story continues with Jesus saying, “I’m not going to give the children’s bread to dogs.” She comes from a place viewed as wicked, among people considered outsiders. In His time, this statement would have been deeply offensive. It doesn’t sound like something Jesus would say, right? Yet, there is a lesson here. When Jesus says this, how does she respond? She answers, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Jesus then tells her—astonishingly—“For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” She went home and found her child lying on the bed, completely healed.

In Matthew’s account of this story, Jesus says, “Woman, you have great faith.” Keep in mind, this is a rare compliment from Jesus—He only says someone has great faith a handful of times throughout the Gospels. The Pharisees and Sadducees, by contrast, are described as having no faith at all; their lack of faith sets them apart. The disciples, meanwhile, have “little faith”—a phrase that, in Greek, reads almost like a gentle nickname Jesus uses for them: “little-faiths.” It’s not a harsh judgment, but more of a term of endearment, highlighting their ongoing spiritual growth.

My friend, this woman—a Gentile, not part of God’s chosen people, from a pagan and even hostile background—what does she have? Great faith, because she simply knows and believes that Jesus can do it. This story reminds us that faith is not limited by our background, status, or past mistakes. For believers today, the Syrophoenician woman’s example is a powerful encouragement: Even when we feel unworthy or like outsiders, Jesus welcomes persistent, humble faith.