📖 Passage

Matthew 15:21–39
Read Matthew 15:21–39 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

This passage records two significant events in Jesus' ministry: His interaction with the Canaanite woman in the region of Tyre and Sidon, and the miraculous feeding of the four thousand in the region of the Decapolis. These moments occur during a time when Jesus is ministering largely outside of Galilee, moving into Gentile territories. This expansion of ministry underscores the inclusiveness of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing the Great Commission. The Canaanite woman's persistent faith demonstrates that true faith transcends ethnic and covenantal boundaries. The second miracle of feeding shows that Jesus is not only the bread for Israel but also for the nations, reflecting prophetic visions such as Isaiah 49:6, where the Servant is "a light to the nations."

🌿 Key Themes

• Faith Across Boundaries – The Canaanite woman's persistence and humility reveal the universality of God's grace.
• Gentile Inclusion – Jesus ministers in non-Jewish regions, anticipating the Gospel's expansion to the nations.
• Compassion for All – The feeding of the four thousand shows Christ's care for physical needs regardless of ethnicity.
• Abundant Provision – The surplus after the meal points to God's overflowing generosity.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Matthew 15:21–28 – The Canaanite Woman's Faith

"O woman, great is your faith!"

• Gentile Appeal – The woman comes from Tyre and Sidon, lands historically outside Israel's covenant blessings.
• Messianic Recognition – She calls Him "Son of David," acknowledging His royal, messianic identity.
• Testing Faith – Jesus' initial silence and challenging words draw out her perseverance and humility.
• Commended Faith – Her unwavering trust receives both commendation and fulfillment as her daughter is healed instantly.

Matthew 15:29–31 – Healing in the Decapolis

"They glorified the God of Israel."

• Gentile Setting – Jesus ministers in a predominantly Gentile region, performing many healings.
• Messianic Signs – The blind see, the lame walk, the mute speak — fulfilling Isaiah 35:5–6.
• God's Glory – The response is worship, showing that miracles lead to the exaltation of God.

Matthew 15:32–39 – Feeding the Four Thousand

"They all ate and were satisfied."

• Compassion in Action – Jesus recognizes the crowd's hunger after three days of teaching.
• Gentile Mission Foreshadowed – This second miraculous feeding likely includes many Gentiles, showing the Gospel's scope.
• Abundant Supply – Seven baskets of leftovers emphasize completeness and divine sufficiency.
• Orderly Ministry – The crowd is seated, the blessing is given, and the food is distributed, revealing Christ's intentional care.

🔍 Trusted Insight

Spurgeon observed that the Canaanite woman's persistence was "a holy boldness born of deep necessity and unwavering trust in Christ's mercy." He noted that Jesus' seeming reluctance was "the kindness of a wise physician, drawing out the full strength of the patient's faith." This encounter assures believers that Christ's mercy is not bound by ethnicity or past history but responds to genuine faith.

Summary: Jesus' ministry to Gentiles and His miraculous provision reveal the global scope of His mission and the boundless nature of His compassion.

🧩 Review Questions

1. How does the Canaanite woman's interaction with Jesus challenge cultural and ethnic barriers?
2. Why might Jesus have tested her faith before granting her request?
3. What is the significance of the healings in the Decapolis being attributed to "the God of Israel"?
4. How does the feeding of the four thousand differ from the feeding of the five thousand, and why does it matter?

🔍 Definitions

• Canaanite – A descendant of the ancient inhabitants of the land before Israel's conquest; here representing Gentile outsiders to the covenant.
• Decapolis – A league of ten Gentile cities east of the Jordan, culturally Greek but within the reach of Jesus' ministry.
• Son of David – A messianic title pointing to the promised king from David's lineage who would bring salvation.

🙋 Application Questions

1. How can you persist in prayer when God seems silent?

2. What barriers might you need to cross to share Christ's compassion with others?

3. How does Jesus' care for both Jews and Gentiles shape your view of the Church's mission today?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• ἔλεος (eleos) – "Mercy"; denotes God's compassionate action toward those in need.
• πίστις (pistis) – "Faith"; trustful reliance upon God's character and promises.
• χορτάζω (chortazō) – "To satisfy"; used here to describe complete fulfillment of physical need, symbolizing spiritual satisfaction in Christ.

📚 Cross References

• Isaiah 49:6 – The Servant as "a light to the nations," prefiguring Gentile inclusion.

• Isaiah 35:5–6 – Prophecy of the Messianic age's healings fulfilled by Jesus.

• Romans 15:8–9 – Christ as a servant to the Jews so that Gentiles might glorify God.

• Mark 7:24–30 – Parallel account of the Canaanite woman with additional details.

• Acts 10:34–35 – God shows no partiality but accepts those from every nation who fear Him.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → Matthew 16:1–12