Article of Faith: Faith against the odds (2), By Femi Aribisala

The article delves into the remarkable faith of a Canaanite woman mentioned in the Gospels, posing the question of how she, a Gentile living outside Jewish territory, came to possess such intimate knowledge of God's promises to Israel. The narrative highlights her unwavering conviction in Jesus as the "Lord, Son of David," a certainty that stood in contrast to the uncertainty expressed by some Jewish crowds who, even after witnessing miracles, questioned Jesus's identity.

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Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!

Scriptural accounts are referenced, including the healing of a demon-possessed, blind, and mute man, which amazed the crowds but led them to ask, "Could this be the Son of David?" The Canaanite woman, however, declared with assurance, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!" The text contrasts this with the two blind men who, upon hearing Jesus was passing, cried out with similar conviction, suggesting that sometimes those who are spiritually "blind" possess a clearer vision than those who claim to "see."

Jesus's statement, "For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may be made blind," is presented as a key to understanding these dynamics. The author posits that the Canaanite woman's knowledge could only stem from the power of God, suggesting she was divinely drawn to Jesus, as stated in John 6:44: "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him."

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For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may be made blind.

This divine initiative is further explored through the concept of "kingdom dynamics." The article questions why Jesus would seek out a Canaanite woman rather than a Jewish one, drawing parallels to the prophet Elijah being sent to a widow in Zarephath, also in Sidonian territory. The author concludes that Jesus's actions demonstrate His unchanging nature, mirroring His past interventions and His post-resurrection encounter with Peter, where specific instructions led to a miraculous catch of fish, enabling Peter to recognize Him. The article suggests there is a "special signal" or "tradition" established by God that allows one to know the Lord.

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No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.