Great Faith: Lessons from the Canaanite Woman

Faith is a central theme throughout the New Testament, and Jesus often emphasized its importance in His ministry. However, among the countless encounters He had, only two individuals earned His commendation for possessing “great faith.” Surprisingly, neither of these people were Israelites; instead, they were Gentiles—people outside the traditional boundaries of God’s chosen nation. One was a Roman centurion, a man of authority and responsibility, and the other was an unnamed Canaanite woman, a marginalized outsider seeking healing for her daughter.

This detail is striking. Jesus encountered countless people who professed belief in God and who had access to the Scriptures, yet it was these two Gentiles—considered “outsiders” by cultural and religious standards—who displayed the qualities of faith that Jesus celebrated. Their stories challenge our assumptions about faith and compel us to look beyond religious titles, traditions, and affiliations. They invite us to explore the deeper qualities that make faith truly “great” in God’s eyes.

The Canaanite woman’s story, in particular, offers a profound lesson. She came to Jesus with no claims of worthiness, no credentials, and no religious pedigree. What she did bring, however, was a faith so sincere, persistent, and humble that it broke through cultural barriers and captured the heart of Christ. This woman’s faith stands as a model for all believers, showing that true faith goes beyond appearances and ritual; it is marked by humility, reverence, and unwavering trust in Jesus.

As we explore her encounter with Jesus in this article, let us open our hearts to the possibility of a deeper, more authentic faith—one that is not limited by background, status, or circumstance, but one that Jesus Himself would call “great.”

Humility Before God

The Canaanite woman demonstrated humility by approaching Jesus with a deep understanding of her position. Despite being a Gentile and not part of the Jewish community, she sought Jesus’ help for her demon-possessed daughter. When Jesus initially seemed to refuse her request, she responded with an extraordinary display of humility, comparing herself to a dog under the table, content with even the crumbs of blessing from the Lord. In Matthew 15:27 (NASB), she humbly responds, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

This humility contrasts with the pride that often hinders faith. As Proverbs reminds us, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16:18, NASB). The woman’s willingness to accept her position and continue seeking Jesus’ mercy teaches us that great faith is rooted in a humble recognition of God’s authority.

Worshipful Dependence on God

After her initial encounter, instead of being discouraged, the woman responded with worship. Matthew 15:25 (NASB) records, “But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’” In her plea, she acknowledged Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as Lord, deserving of reverence and honor.

True faith involves more than simply asking for God’s help; it includes recognizing Him as the source of all blessings and responding with worship and reverence. John 4:23-24 (NASB) underscores this, saying, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The Canaanite woman’s faith was not transactional; it was rooted in a heartfelt reverence for who Jesus was.

Persistent Faith in the Face of Rebuffs

One of the defining features of the Canaanite woman’s faith was her persistence. Despite Jesus’ initial silence and then His statement about being sent to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel,” she did not give up. Her persistence reflected a deep conviction that Jesus alone could provide the help her daughter needed. Matthew 7:7 (NASB) promises, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Her actions embodied this teaching, as she continued to “knock” at the door of Jesus’ mercy until it was opened to her.

This persistence stands in stark contrast to the wavering faith that easily gives up. Great faith is not deterred by initial obstacles or apparent delays. Instead, it presses on, confident that God is both able and willing to respond.

Complete Trust Without Making Demands

The Canaanite woman approached Jesus without demands or entitlement. She did not insist on the form or method of the blessing; she simply trusted Jesus to act according to His wisdom and love. When He used an analogy about children and dogs, she humbly accepted His words without offense, showing her trust in His judgment.

Great faith accepts that God knows best and does not try to dictate how He should act. As Mark 7:37 (NASB) states, “He has done all things well.” This woman trusted Jesus completely, believing that whatever He did, it would be good. Faith that makes demands on God is not true faith; true faith submits to God’s will and timing, trusting that He will do what is right.

A Model of Great Faith

In response to her humility, worship, persistence, and trust, Jesus declared in Matthew 15:28 (NASB), “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” This commendation was not just for her benefit but serves as an example for all believers. Her faith broke through cultural barriers, disregarded initial discouragements, and wholly relied on Jesus’ goodness and authority.

The Canaanite woman’s story reminds us that faith is not about one’s background or status but about one’s attitude toward God. Her example challenges us to cultivate humility, approach God with reverence, persist in prayer, and trust in His wisdom.

Let us strive to possess a faith that Jesus would commend as “great”—one that worships, persists, humbly accepts God’s will, and trusts in His perfect timing. Through her story, we are encouraged to approach God with the same devotion and determination, confident that He hears and responds to those who seek Him with a sincere heart.