58
Daughters of God
While the congregation in the synagogue were still spellbound
with awe, Jesus withdrew to the home of Peter for a little rest. But here
also a shadow had fallen. The mother of Peter’s wife lay sick, stricken
with a “great fever.” Jesus rebuked the disease, and the sufferer arose,
and ministered to the wants of the Master and His disciples.—
The
Desire of Ages, 259 (1898)
.
The Canaanitish Woman
This chapter is based on
Matthew 15:22-28
.
She was a heathen woman who had faith that Jesus could heal her
daughter
.
“Behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and
cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my
daughter is grievously vexed with a devil” (
Matthew 15:22
, RV). The
people of this district were of the old Canaanite race. They were
idolaters, and were despised and hated by the Jews. To this class
belonged the woman who now came to Jesus. She was a heathen,
and was therefore excluded from the advantages which the Jews daily
[65]
enjoyed. There were many Jews living among the Phoenicians, and
the tidings of Christ’s work had penetrated to this region. Some of the
people had listened to His words and had witnessed His wonderful
works.
This woman had heard of the prophet, who, it was reported, healed
all manner of diseases. As she heard of His power, hope sprang up
in her heart. Inspired by a mother’s love, she determined to present
her daughter’s case to Him. It was her resolute purpose to bring her
affliction to Jesus. He must heal her child. She had sought help from
the heathen gods, but had obtained no relief. And at times she was
tempted to think, What can this Jewish teacher do for me? But the
word had come, He heals all manner of diseases, whether those who
come to Him for help are rich or poor. She determined not to lose her
only hope.
Christ knew this woman’s situation. He knew that she was longing
to see Him, and He placed Himself in her path. By ministering to
her sorrow, He could give a living representation of the lesson He
designed to teach.... The people who had been given every opportunity