Chapter 43—Barriers Broken Down
This chapter is based on
Matthew 15:21-28
;
Mark 7:24-30
.
After the encounter with the Pharisees, Jesus withdrew from Ca-
pernaum, and crossing Galilee, repaired to the hill country on the
borders of Phoenicia. Looking westward, He could see, spread out
upon the plain below, the ancient cities of Tyre and Sidon, with their
heathen temples, their magnificent palaces and marts of trade, and
the harbors filled with shipping. Beyond was the blue expanse of the
Mediterranean, over which the messengers of the gospel were to bear
its glad tidings to the centers of the world’s great empire. But the time
was not yet. The work before Him now was to prepare His disciples for
their mission. In coming to this region He hoped to find the retirement
He had failed to secure at Bethsaida. Yet this was not His only purpose
in taking this journey.
“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
, R. V.
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
enjoyed. There were many Jews living among the Phoenicians, and
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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
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