And she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs are fed from the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
This answer of the Canaanite woman is eloquent in its humility, faith, and wisdom. She was not offended, she did not object to Jesus’ word, but accepted her status as a Gentile “dog” and, even so, on the basis of her faith, asked for mercy, even if only “as much as a crumb.” She acknowledges that the people of Israel are primary in God’s plan, yet she also believes that God’s mercy is so great that even a single crumb is enough for her daughter’s healing. As we will see next, this statement becomes an absolute example of faith, humility, and powerful wisdom. Her faith was a real confidence in Jesus’ character—his compassion—even when Jesus was silent or, at first glance, “refused.”