New Testament
Matthew 15:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But Jesus didn't say a word to her. His disciples came and urged him, "Send her away — she keeps shouting after us."
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But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
What Matthew 15:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a woman is persistently calling out to Jesus for help, but he initially does not respond to her. This silence can be puzzling, as it seems contrary to his compassionate nature. The disciples, noticing her cries, urge Jesus to send her away, suggesting that her pleas are bothersome. This moment highlights the tension between the woman's desperate faith and the disciples' desire for comfort. Jesus' lack of immediate response serves to test the woman's faith and determination. It also sets the stage for a deeper lesson about faith, inclusion, and the nature of Jesus' mission. The woman's persistence ultimately leads to a significant interaction that reveals Jesus' willingness to extend grace beyond traditional boundaries. This verse invites readers to reflect on their own faith and the importance of perseverance in seeking help, even when it seems like their cries go unheard.
How to apply Matthew 15:23 to your life
When facing challenges or feeling ignored, it's important to remain persistent in seeking help and guidance. Just as the woman in this passage did not give up, we too should continue to reach out in faith, trusting that our efforts will be recognized in due time.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Why did Jesus initially ignore the woman in Matthew 15:23?
Jesus' initial silence serves multiple purposes. It tests the woman's faith and determination, demonstrating that true faith often requires perseverance. His lack of response also sets the stage for a deeper interaction that reveals the inclusivity of his mission. This moment challenges both the woman and the disciples, highlighting the contrast between her desperate faith and their discomfort.
What can we learn about faith from the woman in this verse?
The woman in Matthew 15:23 exemplifies persistent faith. Despite being ignored, she continues to call out to Jesus, showing that true faith does not waver in the face of silence or adversity. Her determination teaches us the importance of seeking help and remaining steadfast in our beliefs, even when it feels like our cries go unheard.
How do the disciples react to the woman's pleas in this verse?
The disciples urge Jesus to send the woman away, viewing her cries as bothersome. Their reaction reflects a lack of compassion and understanding of Jesus' mission, which is to reach out to all, regardless of their background. This moment highlights the tension between the disciples' desire for comfort and the woman's desperate need for help.
How can we apply the lessons from this verse in our lives?
We can apply the lessons from Matthew 15:23 by remaining persistent in our faith, especially during challenging times. Just as the woman did not give up despite feeling ignored, we should continue to seek help and guidance with determination. This teaches us the value of perseverance and encourages us to trust that our efforts will be recognized in due time.
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