Demanding Jesus Give What He Promised | Matthew 15:21-28 with Dr. Chris Croghan

In this episode, we explore one of Jesus’ most memorable encounters: a Canaanite woman who comes to him as an outsider, crosses every boundary, and simply pleads, “Have mercy on me.” As Jesus appears to reject her, she refuses to argue for her worthiness and instead holds him to the promise that his mercy is for sinners—even dogs like her who have nothing to offer but their need. Her “great faith” isn’t her persistence or ability to convince Jesus; it’s the faith that receives his mercy as a gift and trusts that God’s kingdom is not about being treated fairly, but about Christ having mercy on the unworthy.

GOSPEL 

Matthew 15:21-28

21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 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." 23 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." 24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26 He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." 27 She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." 28 Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.

CARE OF SOULS: DEATH

In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss.

Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.

Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death:

• How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?
• What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?
• How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?
• What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?
• Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?

With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.

Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life.

Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls