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Book of Matthew - Chapter 15 - Verse 22

15:22
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Meaning

When a woman from Canaan approached Jesus, she did so with a plea for mercy, addressing him as the son of David. In this encounter, the woman's daughter was suffering from demonic possession, and the mother sought Jesus' help in relieving her daughter's torment. This story from the Gospel of Matthew highlights the woman's faith and persistence, as she continued to cry out to Jesus despite initial rejection from his disciples. The woman's willingness to humble herself and seek help from Jesus, even though she was not a part of the Israelite community, demonstrates the universality of Jesus' compassion and healing power. Ultimately, Jesus commends the woman's faith and grants her request, showing that no one is beyond the reach of his love and mercy. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, persistence, and the all-encompassing nature of Jesus' grace.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Matthew 15:22, a woman of Canaan approaches Jesus and cries out for mercy on behalf of her demon-possessed daughter. The woman's use of the title "Lord" and "son of David" reflects her belief in Jesus' divine authority and power to heal. The term "Lord" signifies her recognition of Jesus as a figure of respect and authority, while referring to Him as the "son of David" acknowledges His messianic lineage and role as the promised Savior. The woman's desperate plea underscores her faith in Jesus' ability to grant mercy and deliverance. The phrase "grievously vexed with a devil" reveals the extreme suffering experienced by the woman's daughter, emphasizing the urgent need for Jesus' intervention. This encounter highlights Jesus' compassion for those in distress and His willingness to extend grace beyond the boundaries of ethnicity or social status. It serves as a powerful reminder of the inclusive nature of God's love and the transformative power of faith.

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