The Sacrifice of a Mother's Faith
When we honor mothers, we often think of their tireless work, quiet endurance, and sacrificial love. Scripture gives us many examples: Jochebed risked her life to hide her infant son from Pharaoh’s murderous decree (Exod. 2:2–3). Hannah wept before the Lord, begging for a child and then gave Samuel back to God (1 Sam. 1:27–28). Mary, though young and vulnerable, submitted to God's plan to bear the Savior of the world (Luke 1:38). In Matthew 15, we find another mother—unnamed, uncelebrated, and seemingly undeserving in the eyes of others—yet her sacrificial faith shines just as brightly. Her daughter was demon-possessed, and this mother was willing to endure anything to get help.
We can only imagine how distressing it would have been to have had a possessed child. This mother came to Jesus in desperation because she could not fix what was wrong. “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!” she cried (Matt. 15:22, NKJV). She spoke not only on her daughter’s behalf, but as if the pain were her own. Her daughter’s suffering tore at her soul. When Jesus did not immediately answer, and his disciples urged that she be dismissed (v. 23), she did not walk away in pride. She stayed, sacrificing her dignity for a chance at the Lord’s mercy.
Jesus explained to this mother that his mission was to Israel (v. 24), and then said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs” (v. 26). Contrary to what some might believe, Jesus did not do this to disparage this woman. While the word “dog” can sound harsh to modern ears, Jesus used the diminutive form (Gr. kynarion), which referred more to a household pet than a wild or unclean animal. Jesus was inviting this grief stricken mother to demonstrate her faith as an example to his own disciples. Instead of being insulted, this mother made the point the twelve couldn’t. She sacrificed her personal pride and replied, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table” (v. 27). She was not asking for everything—just something. A crumb of mercy from the Master would be more than enough to restore her child. Jesus marveled and said, “O woman, great is your faith!” Her daughter was healed at that very hour (v. 28).
In our world focused on status and influence, the mother with the possessed child shows us the greatest gifts mothers can give are not material, but spiritual. This mother gave her voice, her heart, her dignity, and her persistence for the sake of her child. She didn’t stop to consider what others thought, because the solution was what mattered most. She endured silence, dismissal, and even a humbling comparison to a household pet—all so her daughter could be free. This is the kind of faith and sacrifice that is necessary to humbly serve God. Like the virtuous woman of Proverbs, “she opens her mouth with wisdom” (Prov. 31:26). Through her sacrifice, her household received the Lord’s blessing—both physically and, most importantly, spiritually.
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