We could begin by noting that this is one feisty woman. Or, at the risk of irreverence, we could begin by noting that Jesus is one rude man. Rather than focus on one or the other, I suggest we explore the relationship enfolded in this remarkable gospel story and then ask about the implications for us.

That the encounter between Jesus, the Jew, and this woman, a Gentile, even occurred was remarkable enough, but the fact that Matthew chose to tell it, and not erase it from history, makes it astounding. After all, this woman was not just any Gentile, she was a Canaanite, and as such represented a despised, indigenous rural population with whom Jews were forbidden to associate. Yet she, the despised outsider, addressed Jesus as “Lord, Son of David,” and revealed herself to be a believer, and …