Proper 15A Sermon: Even the Dogs

Preached on Matthew 15:21–28
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
16 August AD 2020

Video: Click to view the YouTube video of Even the Dogs.

Audio: Alternatively, choose Even the Dogs to hear the MP3.

Summary: As Jesus seemingly ignored, insulted, and rejected the Canaanite woman, she persisted. She held Jesus to the Scriptures’ promises. The Messiah came first to “the house of Israel” but she pleaded with the One who also came to save the Gentiles.

From today’s other readings, the Lord tells us that His saving power comes “among all nations (Psalm 67:2).” He gathers “others” and not only the “outcasts of Israel (Isaiah 56:8).” We Gentiles “now have received mercy (Romans 11:30)” because of Jesus’ suffering and death.

Text: And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.

And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”

But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.”

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.”

And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:21–28

Scripture quoted from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Video: Click to view the YouTube video of Even the Dogs.

Audio: Alternatively, choose Even the Dogs to hear the MP3.

Other Readings: Psalm 67; Isaiah 56: 1, 6–8; Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32