WHY WAS JESUS SILENT?

MATTHEW 15:21-28 (NKJV)

21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

23 But He answered her not a word.

And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” 24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throwit to the little dogs.” 27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Why did Jesus remain silent in verse 23?

Why didn’t He answer the woman when she first asked?

If she had left, angry or discouraged because Jesus didn’t answer immediately, then her daughter would not have been delivered.

Our God is a God of order…Just because He’s silent, doesn’t mean that He doesn’t listen. God has His own timing…

Galations 4:4 (NKJV)

In the fullness of time, He gave His only Son… 

Acts 17:30-31 (KJV)

30  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Yes, there are examples throughout the bible of God’s timing.

Jesus tells us why He initially remains silent to the Canaanite woman…He tells her he was sent FIRST to lost sheep of Israel. His answer could even be perceived as harsh.

It wasn’t time for the Gentiles yet…BUT, it’s possible that Jesus also remained silent so we could see the example of the woman’s persistent faith.

Jesus’ silence prompted the woman to worship Jesus even more, and be more persistent (vs 25).

Those around her were able to witness her great faith and persistence…She didn’t get offended, angry or discouraged.

Sometimes people will get, super spiritual and tell you to ask God and let it go…that continuing to ask is a lack of faith…but the bible teaches persistence in God’s silence (Luke 11:5-13, Luke 8:1-8) still having faith through the persistence.

It’s HOW you continue to ask, your attitude as you ask that matters (the woman remained humble and didn’t get angry or impatient with Jesus). After all, persistence is a sign of faith that your persistence will pay off, right?

This woman’s persistence and great faith prompted God to act beyond His timing on her behalf, PERSONALLY.

God can do the same thing for us today. If you’re asking God to move in your life…

DON’T GIVE UP…

DON’T BE DISCOURAGED…

DON’T GET ANGRY AT GOD…

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY DON’T LOOSE FAITH, even if you feel God is being harsh!

Be content to be patient and work within God’s timing, and sometimes He will do something for us ‘personally’ to confirm our faith…

Strengthen our faith…

And display our faith so others can see and believe.

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!