Did the Canaanite Woman Misuse the Title "Son of David"?
In Matthew 15:22-28, a Canaanite woman calls out to Jesus, using the term "Son of David," a title deeply rooted in Jewish Messianic expectation. This plea is initially met with silence from Jesus. Could her use of this Israelite title, as a Gentile, have influenced His initial response? Let’s explore this interaction and how her faith ultimately led to her daughter’s healing.
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Matthew 15:22-28
The title "Son of David" is a Messianic term specifically tied to Israel’s expectation of a coming King from David’s line. For a Gentile, especially a Canaanite, to use this term might have been presumptive, implying a covenantal claim that was not yet extended to non-Israelites. Jesus' initial silence could have served to highlight this point—she approached Him as though she were entitled to the privileges promised to Israel.
When Jesus finally speaks, He emphasizes the priority of His mission: "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Yet, when the woman drops the title "Son of David" and simply cries out "Lord, help me," she appeals to His universal authority and mercy, not to a nationalistic or covenantal identity. This shift in approach could reflect a deeper humility and recognition of her true position before Him—as a Gentile in need of grace, not as a presumptive claimant to Israel’s Messiah.
Ultimately, Jesus commends her "great faith" and grants her request. His delay was not rejection, but a test and a teaching moment. Her faith, perseverance, and humility broke through cultural and covenantal boundaries, foreshadowing the grace that would soon be extended to all nations through His finished work.
This interaction highlights a profound truth: while Jesus came first to Israel, faith in Him as "Lord" grants access to God’s mercy for all people. The woman’s story is a testament to the inclusivity of God's grace and the importance of approaching Him with both reverence and humility.