Engagement in controversy again leads to Jesus’s withdrawing to compassionate ministry (15:21–31; cf. 12:15; 14:13), this time in the direction of Tyre and Sidon—Mediterranean coastal cities northwest of Galilee. In this location, Jesus is approached by a Gentile woman, a Canaanite, with the term evoking the Old Testament association of Israel’s enemies (15:22; cf. Num. 21:1). Using the messianic title “Son of David,” she cries out to him to heal her demon-possessed daughter (15:22). Yet Jesus speaks to her only after his disciples …