A question about Matthew 15 verses 22-28

[MiamiHeat]

What does this mean? "A Cannanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon possesion." Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urgedhim, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." The woman came and knelt before him, "Lord help me! she said. He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord, she said, "But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table" Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted."

Now what is Jesus talking about with the woman when he tells her "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs. What does that have to do with anything that the woman is addressing Jesus?
also why then does Jesus then change his mind and decide to help this woman just by the woman answering "But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table. Now what does that got to do with telling Jesus to help the woman out with her daughter. Also why would Jesus just stand there and not say a word right after the woman asks Jesus to help her with her daughter? Thanks for your time and opinions!

 

[SnowBird77]

Jesus was a classic teacher. He used every opportunity to teach His audience. His opening response was a reaction to how the class from which the woman came was viewed by those who were around. He did not change His mind. It was always His intention to grant her plea, but he took the opportunity to teach a valuable lesson. God responds to our need not to our social standing.

 

[HoneyDew]

Great point in the above post. I would like to add that the woman's response indicates that she had suffered from the indignity of being a second class citizen many times enough for Jesus' response not to faze her. She knew what she was potentially getting herself into making such a (bold) request, but her faith had found a resting place.

 

[MiamiHeat]

I appreciate your replies but how do you know for sure that in these verses it is addressing about the woman's social class. Is the woman represented as the dog. Who do the children represent. Why does Christ say he is here for the lost sheep of Israel? What did the woman say that all of a sudden she is showing great faith. And still remember that Christ remains speechless when the woman asks for his help, well speechless for seconds. But why, did he remain speechless, did he know all along that the woman had great faith and there was no reason for him to say anything to her on her request?

 

[HoneyDew]

Hmmm. His disciples were there. I think the lesson was for them so He waited for the implications to sink in.

 

[MiamiHeat]

Well your right about that Jesus's lesson is meant for his disciples. But does the children and the dogs in this lesson represent something. Where does social class come in the picture? I appreciate your responses.

P.S. Hope Japan beats Cuba in the Championship tonight!! Abajo Fidel!!

 

[OntheDL]

What does this mean? "A Cannanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon possesion." Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urgedhim, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." The woman came and knelt before him, "Lord help me! she said. He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord, she said, "But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table" Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted."

Now what is Jesus talking about with the woman when he tells her "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs. What does that have to do with anything that the woman is addressing Jesus?
also why then does Jesus then change his mind and decide to help this woman just by the woman answering "But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table. Now what does that got to do with telling Jesus to help the woman out with her daughter. Also why would Jesus just stand there and not say a word right after the woman asks Jesus to help her with her daughter? Thanks for your time and opinions!

I think Jesus's own words answered the question.

24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Jesus came to save His professed people: the jews (at the time). Study the 70 week prophecy. After the jews rejected the message and stoned Stephen, the gospel turned to the gentiles.

The bread symbolizes the Word of God. Jesus also calls Himself the living bread. The bread was sent for the children of Israel at that time. Jesus was doing all He could to save Israel. He also commanded the disciples not to go to the gentiles to preach (at that time).

Jesus was moved by the woman's faith and granted her wish.

Hope this helps.

 

[MiamiHeat]

I think Jesus's own words answered the question.

24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Jesus came to save His professed people: the jews (at the time). Study the 70 week prophecy. After the jews rejected the message and stoned Stephen, the gospel turned to the gentiles.

The bread symbolizes the Word of God. Jesus also calls Himself the living bread. The bread was sent for the children of Israel at that time. Jesus was doing all He could to save Israel. He also commanded the disciples not to go to the gentiles to preach (at that time).

Jesus was moved by the woman's faith and granted her wish.

Hope this helps.

Great post ONtheDL it sounds a lot more clearly now. I find this particular chapter one of the most difficult to comprehend in all of the book of Matthew. This and of course the Transfiguration. Thanks for your reply. God Bless!

 

[OntheDL]

Great post ONtheDL it sounds a lot more clearly now. I find this particular chapter one of the most difficult to comprehend in all of the book of Matthew. This and of course the Transfiguration. Thanks for your reply. God Bless!

Hey no problems. The bible interpretes itself. When we studied enough, most of these questions become apparent.

Quickly about the transfiguration...in both accounts in Matthew and Mark, the verse before the story of transfiguration is the clue/key to understand it.

"Verily I say onto you, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." Matt 16:28, Mark 9:1.

This statement made by Jesus is then followed by the story of transfiguration..

None of His disciples is still alive today to see Jesus's 2nd coming. So if Jesus didn't lie then they (Peter, James and John) did have a preview of the 2nd coming on the mount of transfiguration. Jesus was transfigured in His glory.

And Moses and Elias accompanied Jesus represent two group of believers who will be with Jesus at His second coming: the dead who will be resurrected and those who are still alive, (also this is clear in 1 Thess 4:13-17).

Moses and Elias also represent 'law' and 'prophet': the faith of the believers. This is also defined in Rev 12:17& 14:12.