Lost Sheep Found

There was an enemy of the Jews, a Canaanite woman, who approached Jesus for help.

Matthew 15:22 KJV And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Jesus then makes a powerful statement concerning this enemy who became part of the Israel of God the moment her faith proclaimed, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David."

Matthew 15:23-24 KJV But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. (24) But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

We see this woman’s faith is bold in the presence of the LORD as it is persistent in worship.

Matthew 15:25 KJV Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

Jesus tests her faith.

Matthew 15:26 KJV But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

The faith of this prior enemy endures the test.

Matthew 15:27 KJV And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

This is true faith from God that believes, repents, and works despite the tests and trials we face in this world as former enemies of God.

Matthew 15:28 KJV Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Such were some of us, and such are some of us now.