“Jesus said to her, “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 the masters’ table.” Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith!” -Matthew 15:26-27
Can you imagine what would have happened to Jesus’ public ministry if he would have spoken these words to the Canaanite woman in our day and age? Why, the media would have crucified him. What was it about the woman’s response that blessed the Lord? She mysteriously knew her standing before God and the people of God. She accepted it and submitted to it. She came to Jesus as one who was undeserving and she asked for mercy. Jesus recognized this as great faith and healed her daughter.
Jesus had also said of the centurion, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” The centurion had said, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.” Matt.8:5-13.
These two cases reveal a wonderful connection between humility and faith. Humility allowed them to have a proper view of themselves before a holy God enabling them to understand that they live by grace. The Canaanite and the centurion both exhibited great faith because of their humility. “Pride renders faith impossible.” Andrew Murray. Faith is the means by which we perceive the heavenly world and its blessings. And they were both blessed. How can we develop a faith that blesses the Lord? Humble ourselves before God. Take the lowest place before men and gladly accept whatever humbles us before God and men.
-Pastor Doug