At that time, Jesus went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But Jesus did not answer her a word.

And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” Jesus answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at that very hour.

1. What does Jesus say to the woman when she kneels before Him and says, “Lord, help me”?

2. What do you think Jesus means by the “children’s bread”?

3. Who are the children?

4. Who are the dogs?

5. How does the woman respond to Jesus’ statement about throwing bread to the dogs?

6. How does her response show her great faith?

7. Have you ever persistently asked for something? What was it?