Matthew 15:24
He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
He answered
This phrase indicates a direct response from Jesus, emphasizing His role as a teacher and communicator of divine truth. The Greek word used here is "ἀποκριθεὶς" (apokritheis), which implies a thoughtful and authoritative reply. Jesus often used such responses to clarify His mission and purpose, especially when addressing misunderstandings or challenges to His ministry.

I was sent
The phrase underscores Jesus' divine mission and purpose. The Greek word "ἀπεστάλην" (apestalēn) is derived from "apostellō," meaning "to send forth." This highlights the intentionality and divine commissioning of Jesus' work on earth. It reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, who was to be sent by God to accomplish a specific mission.

only
This word emphasizes exclusivity in Jesus' mission at this point in His ministry. It is crucial to understand this in the context of God's broader redemptive plan, which initially focused on Israel as the chosen people through whom the Messiah would come. The exclusivity here is not a denial of the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles but a reflection of the order of God's salvific plan.

to the lost sheep
The imagery of "lost sheep" is rich in biblical symbolism, often used to describe those who have strayed from God's covenant and guidance. In the Old Testament, Israel is frequently depicted as God's flock, with God as the shepherd. The term "lost" indicates a state of spiritual waywardness and need for redemption. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, came to seek and save those who were lost, fulfilling the prophetic imagery found in passages like Ezekiel 34.

of the house of Israel
This phrase specifies the initial focus of Jesus' earthly ministry. "House of Israel" refers to the descendants of Jacob, the twelve tribes that formed the nation of Israel. Historically, Israel was chosen by God to be a light to the nations, and Jesus' ministry began with them to fulfill the promises made to the patriarchs. This focus on Israel is consistent with the covenantal themes throughout the Bible, where God’s redemptive work often begins with a specific group before expanding to all nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a Canaanite woman who is seeking healing for her daughter. His response highlights His mission focus during His earthly ministry.

2. The Canaanite Woman
A Gentile woman who approaches Jesus, demonstrating faith and persistence in seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter.

3. The Disciples
Present with Jesus, they initially urge Him to send the woman away, reflecting a common Jewish perspective of the time towards Gentiles.

4. The Lost Sheep of the House of Israel
Refers to the Jewish people, whom Jesus initially focused His ministry on, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and covenants.

5. Region of Tyre and Sidon
The geographical setting of this event, known for being a Gentile area, which underscores the significance of Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman.
Teaching Points
Understanding Jesus' Mission
Jesus' statement reflects His initial focus on Israel, fulfilling God's promises to the patriarchs. This focus does not exclude Gentiles but shows the unfolding plan of salvation history.

Faith Beyond Boundaries
The Canaanite woman's faith is a powerful example of persistence and belief in Jesus' power, challenging cultural and religious boundaries.

God's Plan for All Nations
While Jesus' earthly ministry began with Israel, His ultimate mission was to bring salvation to all nations, as seen in the Great Commission.

The Role of Persistence in Faith
The woman's persistence in seeking Jesus' help is a model for believers to persist in prayer and faith, even when answers seem delayed.

Cultural and Religious Barriers
Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman encourages believers to break down barriers and extend love and grace to all people.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' response to the Canaanite woman reflect His mission focus during His earthly ministry, and what does this teach us about God's unfolding plan of salvation?

2. In what ways does the faith of the Canaanite woman challenge us to persist in our own faith journeys, especially when facing obstacles?

3. How can we apply the lesson of Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman to our approach to cultural and religious differences today?

4. What does the concept of "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises, and how does this relate to the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Testament?

5. How can we balance the understanding of Jesus' initial mission focus with the Great Commission's call to make disciples of all nations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 10:5-6
Jesus instructs His disciples to go to the lost sheep of Israel, emphasizing His initial mission focus.

Romans 1:16
Paul speaks of the gospel being for the Jew first, then the Gentile, reflecting the unfolding plan of salvation.

Isaiah 53:6
The prophecy of the suffering servant who would gather the lost sheep, pointing to Jesus' ultimate mission.

John 10:16
Jesus speaks of other sheep not of the Jewish fold, indicating the future inclusion of Gentiles.
A Double MiracleJ. H. Burn, B. D., Harry Jones, M. A., J. Morison, D. D.Matthew 15:21-28
A Right Knowledge of Satanic Torments Will Lead to ChristS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
A Woman of CanaanR. Glover.Matthew 15:21-28
A Woman's Master-StrokeLuther.Matthew 15:21-28
A Word to ParentsF. F. McGlynn, M. A., The Pulpit.Matthew 15:21-28
All Things Possible to FaithJ. Bate.Matthew 15:21-28
An Incident Like ThisMatthew 15:21-28
Asking for CrumbsMatthew 15:21-28
Children's Bread Given to DogsC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 15:21-28
Christ and the WomanJ. Jortin.Matthew 15:21-28
Christ Cannot be HidS. Rutherford., S. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
Christ Hears Prayer Even If He Does not AnswerS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
Christ Looking Beyond His Temporary LimitsS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
Determination in PrayerS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
Faith Gives Prevalency to PrayerGurnall.Matthew 15:21-28
Faith Strengthened by Importunate PrayerS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
Faith Triumphing Over DifficultiesAnon.Matthew 15:21-28
Fervour in PrayerS. RutherfordMatthew 15:21-28
God's Delays in Answering PrayerC. M. Merry.Matthew 15:21-28
Good to be Near ChristS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
Grace Working on Unpromising MaterialS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
Great FaithJ. Vaughan, M,A.Matthew 15:21-28
Great FaithJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 15:21-28
Great Thoughts of ChristC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 15:21-28
Grievously Vexed with a DevilBishop Gregg.Matthew 15:21-28
Help from He, HeavenA. O.Matthew 15:21-28
Her PrayerS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
Moral PersistenceT. Manton.Matthew 15:21-28
My DaughterS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
Our Lord Had a Very Quick Eye for Spying FaithC. H. SpurgeonMatthew 15:21-28
Perseverance of FaithSalter.Matthew 15:21-28
Prayer Deeper than WordsMatthew 15:21-28
Prayer Strengthened by AdversityS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
She Crieth After UsMatthew 15:21-28
Significant SilenceW. Burrows, B. A.Matthew 15:21-28
SilenceW. Denton., J. Morison, D. D.Matthew 15:21-28
Spread of Truth to Foreign LandsJ. Wells.Matthew 15:21-28
Stern TruthsBishop Gregg.Matthew 15:21-28
Tears have a TongueS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
THe Canaanite's FaithAdolphe Monod.Matthew 15:21-28
The Disciples Sending Away the Canaanite WomanE. Bersier, D. D.Matthew 15:21-28
The DogsJ. Morison, D. D.Matthew 15:21-28
The Elements of Prevailing PrayerJ. B. Jeher, D. D.Matthew 15:21-28
The Elements of Prevailing PrayerJ. B. Jeter, D. D.Matthew 15:21-28
The Faith of the Syro-Phoenician WomanCongregational PulpitMatthew 15:21-28
The Greatness of a Woman's FaithB. J. HoadleyMatthew 15:21-28
The Kindness of RefusalsJ. Wells.Matthew 15:21-28
The Little DogsC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 15:21-28
The Lost Sheep of the House of IsraelJ. Morison, D. D.Matthew 15:21-28
The Mutual Attractions Between Jesus and the SoulR. Glover.Matthew 15:21-28
The Second Sunday in LentJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Matthew 15:21-28
The Syro-Phoenician WomanMarcus Dods Matthew 15:21-28
The Trial and Triumph of FaithS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
The Triumph of a Mother's LoveW.F. Adeney Matthew 15:21-28
The Triumph of FaithJ. T. Woodhouse.Matthew 15:21-28
The Use of DelayJ. Wells.Matthew 15:21-28
The Woman of CanaanJ. Ker, D. D.Matthew 15:21-28
The Woman of CanaanLeonard W. Bacon, R. Newton.Matthew 15:21-28
The Woman of CanaanC. Bradley., T. Mortimer.Matthew 15:21-28
The Woman of CanaanT. Manton.Matthew 15:21-28
The Woman of CanaanDaniel Wilcox.Matthew 15:21-28
The Woman of CanaanJ. Wonnacott.Matthew 15:21-28
The Woman of CanaanG. Moberly, D. C. L.Matthew 15:21-28
The Woman of CanaanJ. Bate.Matthew 15:21-28
The, Coasts of Tyre and SidonHarry Jones, M. A.Matthew 15:21-28
This Woman of Caanan Teaches Us to PrayLapide.Matthew 15:21-28
Utilizing Rich Spiritual InfluencesS. Rutherford.Matthew 15:21-28
Victorious Wrestling in PrayerC. E. Luthardt.Matthew 15:21-28
People
Canaanitish, David, Isaiah, Jesus, Peter
Places
Genneseret, Jerusalem, Magadan, Sea of Galilee, Sidon, Tyre
Topics
Answering, Anyone, Except, Israel's, Lost, Replied, Save, Sheep, Wandering, Wasn't
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 15:24

     1085   God, love of
     2330   Christ, as shepherd
     7950   mission, of Christ

Matthew 15:21-28

     2042   Christ, justice of
     7135   Israel, people of God

Matthew 15:21-29

     5888   inferiority

Matthew 15:22-28

     4134   demons, exorcism
     5285   cures
     5882   impartiality
     8653   importunity, to God

Library
Mother's Love
Eversley, Second Sunday in Lent, 1872. St Matthew xv. 22-28. "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. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying,
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

Crumbs and the Bread
'Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22. 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. 23. 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. 25. Then came she and worshipped
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence, and Withdrew into the Parts of Tyre and Sidon. And Behold, a Canaanitish Woman,"
1. This woman of Canaan, who has just now been brought before us in the lesson of the Gospel, shows us an example of humility, and the way of godliness; shows us how to rise from humility unto exaltation. Now she was, as it appears, not of the people of Israel, of whom came the Patriarchs, and Prophets, and the parents of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh; of whom the Virgin Mary herself was, who was the Mother of Christ. This woman then was not of this people; but of the Gentiles. For,
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Perseverance of Faith
"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."--Matthew 15:28. I HAVE frequently spoken to you concerning the faith of this Canaanitish woman, of the way in which Christ tried it, and of the manner in which, at length, he honoured it, and granted all that the suppliant sought. The story is so full of meaning, that one might turn it this way, and that way, and the other way, and always see
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Genesis xxvii. 38
And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father. MATTHEW xv. 27. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table. Of these two passages, the first, as we must all remember, is taken from the first lesson of this morning's service; the second is from the morning's gospel. Both speak the same language, and point out, I think, that particular view of the story of Jacob obtaining the blessing
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent
(From the Gospel for the day) Tells us how God drives forward some of His children by the struggle between the inward and outward man. Matt. xv. 21-28.--"Jesus went thence and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 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. But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away, for she
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa.
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Second Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
^A Matt. XV. 21; ^B Mark VII. 24. ^b 24 And from thence ^a Jesus ^b arose, and went ^a out ^b away ^a and withdrew into the parts { ^b borders} of Tyre and Sidon. [The journey here is indicated in marked terms because it differs from any previously recorded, for it was the first time that Jesus ever entered a foreign or heathen country. Some commentators contend from the use of the word "borders" by Mark that Jesus did not cross over the boundary, but the point is not well taken, for Mark vii. 31
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Another Avoiding of Herod's Territory.
^A Matt. XV. 29; ^B Mark VII. 31. ^b 31 And ^a Jesus ^b again went out. ^a And departed thence, ^b from the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon, ^a and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; ^b through the midst of the borders of Decapolis. ^a and he went up into a mountain, and sat down there. [From Tyre Jesus proceeded northward to Sidon and thence eastward across the mountains and the headwaters of the Jordan to the neighborhood of Damascus. Here he turned southward and approached the Sea of Galilee
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover.
Scribes Reproach Him for Disregarding Tradition. (Galilee, Probably Capernaum, Spring a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XV. 1-20; ^B Mark VII. 1-23; ^D John VII. 1. ^d 1 And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judæa, because the Jews sought to kill him. [John told us in his last chapter that the passover was near at hand. He here makes a general statement which shows that Jesus did not attend this passover. The reason for his absence is given at John v. 18.] ^a 1 Then there
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter.
(Region of Tyre and Sidon.) ^A Matt. XV. 22-28; ^B Mark VII. 24-30. ^b And he entered into a house, and would have no man know it [Jesus sought concealment for the purposes noted in the last section. He also, no doubt, desired an opportunity to impact private instruction to the twelve]; and he could not be hid. [The fame of Jesus had spread far and wide, and he and his disciples were too well known to escape the notice of any who had seen them or heard them described.] 25 But { ^a 22 And} behold,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Deaf Stammerer Healed and Four Thousand Fed.
^A Matt. XV. 30-39; ^B Mark VII. 32-VIII. 9. ^b 32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech [The man had evidently learned to speak before he lost his hearing. Some think that defective hearing had caused the impediment in his speech, but verse 35 suggests that he was tongue-tied]; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. 33 And he took him aside from the multitude privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue [He separated
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
Subdivision A. Pharisaic Leaven. A Blind Man Healed. (Magadan and Bethsaida. Probably Summer, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XV. 39-XVI. 12; ^B Mark VIII. 10-26. ^b 10 And straightway he entered into the boat with his disciples, ^a and came into the borders of Magadan. ^b into the parts of Dalmanutha. [It appears from the context that he crossed the lake to the west shore. Commentators, therefore, pretty generally think that Magadan is another form of the name Magdala, and that Dalmanutha was either another
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician Woman
THE purpose of Christ to withdraw His disciples from the excitement of Galilee, and from what might follow the execution of the Baptist, had been interrupted by the events at Bethsaida-Julias, but it was not changed. On the contrary, it must have been intensified. That wild, popular outburst, which had almost forced upon Him a Jewish Messiah-Kingship; the discussion with the Jerusalem Scribes about the washing of hands on the following day; the Discourses of the Sabbath, and the spreading disaffection,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

A Group of Miracles among a Semi-Heathen Population
If even the brief stay of Jesus in that friendly Jewish home by the borders of Tyre could not remain unknown, the fame of the healing of the Syro-Phoenician maiden would soon have rendered impossible that privacy and retirement, which had been the chief object of His leaving Capernaum. Accordingly, when the two Paschal days were ended, He resumed His journey, extending it far beyond any previously undertaken, perhaps beyond what had been originally intended. The borders of Palestine proper, though
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from Heaven' - Journey to Cæsarea Philippi - what is the Leaven of The
THEY might well gather to Jesus in their thousands, with their wants of body and soul, these sheep wandering without a shepherd; for His Ministry in that district, as formerly in Galilee, was about to draw to a close. And here it is remarkable, that each time His prolonged stay and Ministry in a district were brought to a close with some supper, so to speak, some festive entertainment on his part. The Galilean Ministry had closed with the feeding of the five thousand, the guests being mostly from
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Intercourse of Jesus with the Pagans and the Samaritans.
Following out these principles, Jesus despised all religion which was not of the heart. The vain practices of the devotees,[1] the exterior strictness, which trusted to formality for salvation, had in him a mortal enemy. He cared little for fasting.[2] He preferred forgiveness to sacrifice.[3] The love of God, charity and mutual forgiveness, were his whole law.[4] Nothing could be less priestly. The priest, by his office, ever advocates public sacrifice, of which he is the appointed minister; he
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

To the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.
Tolle malos, extolle pios, cognosce teipsum: Sacra tene, paci consule, disce pati. Christ Jesus, the Prince of princes, bless your Highness with length of days, and an increase of all graces, which may make you truly prosperous in this life, and eternally happy in that which is to come. Jonathan shot three arrows to drive David further off from Saul's fury; and this is the third epistle which I have written, to draw your Highness nearer to God's favour, by directing your heart to begin, like Josiah,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Introductory Note.
[a.d. 145-220.] When our Lord repulsed the woman of Canaan (Matt. xv. 22) with apparent harshness, he applied to her people the epithet dogs, with which the children of Israel had thought it piety to reproach them. When He accepted her faith and caused it to be recorded for our learning, He did something more: He reversed the curse of the Canaanite and showed that the Church was designed "for all people;" Catholic alike for all time and for all sorts and conditions of men. Thus the North-African
Tertullian—Apology

Manifestly Also in the Gospel we Find the Mouth of the Heart...
32. Manifestly also in the Gospel we find the mouth of the heart: so that in one place the Lord is found to have mentioned the mouth both of the body and of the heart, where he saith, "Are ye also yet without understanding? Do ye not yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth, goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? but those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders,
St. Augustine—On Lying

Prayers on Pilgrimage. --"Lord Help Me. " --Matt. xv. 25
Prayers on Pilgrimage.--"Lord help me."--Matt. xv. 25. II. Blessed be Thy name, Jesus Christ!--the same Yesterday, to-day, for ever, What from Thee my soul shall sever, While I hear Thy voice, And in Thee rejoice? Guide me with Thine eye; Warn to fight or fly, When the foe, a lion raging, Or, with serpent guile assuaging, Comes in wrath to tear, Or by fraud ensnare. Hold me with Thine hand, For by faith I stand; On Thy strength my sole reliance, In Thy truth my whole affiance; Then where'er I
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Luther's Fourth Preface
To Valentine Bapst's Hymn-book, Leipzig, 1545. The xcvi Psalm saith: "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth." The service of God in the old dispensation, under the law of Moses, was hard and wearisome. Many and divers sacrifices had men to offer, of all that they possessed, both in house and in field, which the people, being idle and covetous, did grudgingly or for some temporal advantage; as the prophet Malachi saith, chap. i., "who is there even among you that would shut
Leonard Woolsey Bacon—The Hymns of Martin Luther

The Woman of Canaan
Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 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. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying,
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

Links
Matthew 15:24 NIV
Matthew 15:24 NLT
Matthew 15:24 ESV
Matthew 15:24 NASB
Matthew 15:24 KJV

Matthew 15:24 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Matthew 15:23
Top of Page
Top of Page