Next we have the incident of the Canaanite woman. The placing of this incident here is significant, for she was a Gentile. To make matter worse she was a Canaanite. Now remember that the Israelites had to expel the Canaanites from the land when they took over the Promised Land. Finally, and worst of all in the eyes of some, she was a woman. Jesus has just been taking apart the pseudo religiosity of the Pharisees, now He commends a person who the Pharisees would despise for a host of reasons.
The woman's daughter was demon possessed and in great agony. At first Jesus said nothing. This silence apparently did not deter the woman who kept on calling out. However it did annoy the disciples, and they urged Jesus to send her away.
Jesus' words "I was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel" were presumably addressed to the woman. What is Jesus doing here? he is drawing out more faith from the woman. Sometimes (often!) Jesus seems to remain silent when we pray, and then, initially at least, does not seem to give the "right" answer. We should not be discouraged. God always responds to faith.
The woman humbled herself before Jesus and asked for help. Jesus next answer seems to be no kinder than the previous one. The woman then contradicts Jesus, then Jesus commends her faith and her daughter was immediately healed.
Prayer is not a slot machine, it is about a relationship with the Lord. We can learn a lot from this woman.
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