Tuesday 1st September 2026

Matthew 15:21-28 

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.

 Reflection

Not so long ago I attended a harvest celebration that was completely different from what I was accustomed to.  It lasted three hours and was conducted in a language I did not understand.  I felt invisible, overlooked, and questioned whether I belonged there at all!

But, as my mind wandered, I remembered that Jesus was misunderstood and rejected – and that my identity isn’t rooted in acceptance by others, but in being chosen by God.  Slowly, I began to see the service for what it was.  I found strength during the prayers and a sense of community in this most unexpected setting.

I remembered the encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15. This woman needed help for her daughter, but she was made to feel like an outsider, which can be lonely, painful, and confusing.  But she persisted – and Jesus granted her request.

Many of us have experienced the sting of exclusion, whether because of our background, beliefs, personality, or circumstances. But Scripture reminds us that Jesus Himself was an outsider. He was rejected by His own people. He was crucified outside the city gates — a place reserved for the condemned and outcasts. Yet in that place of rejection, Jesus accomplished the greatest act of love and redemption.

God often works through those on the margins. Being an outsider doesn’t disqualify us — it positions us to encounter God in great ways.

If you feel like an outsider today, take heart. You are not alone, and you are not forgotten. Jesus understands your pain intimately.

Yours and my story matters. Your presence and my presence matters. And yours and my difference may be the very thing God uses to bring light into dark places.

This week, reach out to someone who may feel like an outsider. A kind word, a listening ear, or a simple invitation can be a powerful act of grace.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, 
thank You for showing us 
that being an outsider is not a curse. 
Help me to see Your purpose 
in my pain and Your presence in my isolation. 
Use me to reach others who feel left out, 
and remind me 
that I am always included in Your love. Amen.