Matthew 15:23 - But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”
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What does "Matthew 15:23" mean?
This verse from Matthew 15:23 is part of the story of the Canaanite woman who approaches Jesus for healing for her daughter. Let's break down its meaning:
"But he answered her not a word." This is the initial reaction of Jesus to the woman's pleas. It's a stark contrast to his usual compassionate response to those in need. This silence is a key part of the narrative and raises questions about why Jesus would seemingly ignore someone asking for help.
"His disciples came and begged him, saying, 'Send her away; for she cries after us.'" The disciples are annoyed by the woman's persistent cries. They want Jesus to dismiss her, not out of compassion for her suffering, but to relieve their own discomfort and disturbance. They see her as a nuisance. Their words reveal a lack of empathy and understanding of Jesus's mission to help the less fortunate. They are likely also influenced by the prevailing cultural prejudices against non-Jewish people.
Overall Meaning:
The verse highlights:
Jesus's initial apparent reluctance to help. This tests the woman's faith and challenges the disciples' understanding of compassion and inclusivity.
The disciples' self-centeredness and prejudice. They are more concerned with their own comfort than with the woman's desperate situation.
The contrast between Jesus's eventual actions and the disciples' attitudes. This sets the stage for Jesus to ultimately demonstrate a broader vision of who is worthy of his help, even someone outside the Jewish community.
The verse serves as a pivotal point in the story, prompting Jesus to engage with the woman and eventually grant her request, showing that his compassion extends beyond traditional boundaries. It also challenges the reader to examine their own prejudices and consider who they might be tempted to dismiss or ignore.
Matthew 15:23 - But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”
What does "Matthew 15:23" mean?
This verse from Matthew 15:23 is part of the story of the Canaanite woman who approaches Jesus for healing for her daughter. Let's break down its meaning:
"But he answered her not a word." This is the initial reaction of Jesus to the woman's pleas. It's a stark contrast to his usual compassionate response to those in need. This silence is a key part of the narrative and raises questions about why Jesus would seemingly ignore someone asking for help.
"His disciples came and begged him, saying, 'Send her away; for she cries after us.'" The disciples are annoyed by the woman's persistent cries. They want Jesus to dismiss her, not out of compassion for her suffering, but to relieve their own discomfort and disturbance. They see her as a nuisance. Their words reveal a lack of empathy and understanding of Jesus's mission to help the less fortunate. They are likely also influenced by the prevailing cultural prejudices against non-Jewish people.
Overall Meaning:
The verse highlights:
Jesus's initial apparent reluctance to help. This tests the woman's faith and challenges the disciples' understanding of compassion and inclusivity.
The disciples' self-centeredness and prejudice. They are more concerned with their own comfort than with the woman's desperate situation.
The contrast between Jesus's eventual actions and the disciples' attitudes. This sets the stage for Jesus to ultimately demonstrate a broader vision of who is worthy of his help, even someone outside the Jewish community.
The verse serves as a pivotal point in the story, prompting Jesus to engage with the woman and eventually grant her request, showing that his compassion extends beyond traditional boundaries. It also challenges the reader to examine their own prejudices and consider who they might be tempted to dismiss or ignore.