First he ignored her.
Then he said she wasn’t part of the “in” crowd.
Then he called her a dog.
And then…
But before we go there, ask yourself this:
If Jesus called you a dog, what would you do?
A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out,
“Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon‑possessed and suffering terribly.”
Jesus did not answer a word.
So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.
He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”
And her daughter was healed at that moment.
(Matthew 15:22–28)
Jesus deliberately walked this woman right up to the “dog pen” of offense and held the gate open. At any point she could have stormed off, wounded and angry. Instead, she refused to let offense define her.
Sometimes God touches the most tender places in our hearts—not to shame us, but to expose what could destroy us if it stays hidden. He brings those areas under his lordship so they can be healed. Jesus called it pruning (John 15:1–2).
Offense can strike anywhere: home, work, church, online. One sharp word, one cold glance, one unanswered prayer—and suddenly emotions grab the wheel. We react, say things we regret, and sometimes walk away from blessings that were right in front of us.
This woman shows another way.
She knew exactly what she wanted: her daughter’s deliverance.
Jesus knew exactly what he was looking for: great faith.
Not polite faith. Not convenient faith. GREAT faith. And he found it in a foreigner, a Canaanite woman.
When it looked like the door slammed in her face, she leaned in and said, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
That’s not offended pride. That’s humble, sharp, unshakeable faith.
When offense comes, decide in advance to manage the moment:
– Take a slow breath before speaking
– Look away briefly to reset
– Whisper, “Lord, help me focus on you”
– Recall a promise from Scripture
Buy yourself a few seconds of clarity. You can process the hurt later—after you’ve captured the “trophy” of obedience.
Was she like a dog? In one way, yes: She was a “pit bull” for the promises of God.
Once she had hold of Jesus, she would not let go. Her determined faith previewed the day when Gentiles would be welcomed into God’s family. Her “pit bull” faith carried the promise all the way to the end zone.
Now it’s your move! What has God promised you in his Word?
– Will you step over offense to receive it?
– Will you tune out doubting voices—others’ and your own—and hold onto God’s voice?
– If God doesn’t move how or when you expect, will you stay?
Will you be a “holy pit bull” in the Kingdom of God—a faith pit bull who holds on until Jesus speaks and delivers in His own way?
He’s still looking for that kind of faith.
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed-Hardy
