Matthew 15

“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (v8).  As Jesus told the Canaanite woman, the first stage of his mission was to his own Jewish people (v24).  However, his interactions with religious leaders revealed that with all their knowledge, they had allowed tradition to blind them to God’s heart (v1-3).  They were hypocrites, using correct doctrine to cover up greed and selfishness (v7-20). In contrast, the Canaanite woman displayed humility and faith in Jesus’ power (v22-28).

“O woman, great is your faith!” (v28).  When we lay down our pride and approach him in humility and faith, Jesus delights to welcome us, cleanse us, and restore us to the Father.