Matthew 15:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Mark the Evangelist recounts that when Christ entered a certain house, He ‘could not conceal Himself’ (Mark 7:24). But what was the purpose of Christ's visit to these specific regions? By abolishing the dietary regulations for the Jews, He now extended His reach to the Gentiles. Peter was initially directed to set aside the law regarding food before being sent to Cornelius. If someone questions how Christ, after telling His disciples, ‘Go not into the way of the Gentiles’ (Matthew 10:5), chooses to enter this path Himself, we can clarify: first, He was not bound to adhere to the command He gave His disciples; second, His purpose in visiting these areas was not to preach. Mark emphasizes this by noting that the Lord sought to hide Himself but was unable to do so.

Why did He, while instructing His disciples to avoid the path of the Gentiles, choose to venture into Tyre and Sidon, which are Gentile cities? It is important to note that His purpose in going there was not for the sake of preaching, as Mark records, “and hid Himself.” Instead, perceiving that the Pharisees were rejecting His teachings about food, He turned His attention to the Gentiles.

It is evident that she did not originate from the lineage of Israel, from which the patriarchs, prophets, and the earthly parents of our Lord Jesus Christ descended; this includes the Virgin Mary, who bore Christ. Rather, this woman was from the Gentiles. As recorded, the Lord departed into the regions of Tyre and Sidon; it was there that the Canaanite woman, having ventured beyond those borders, earnestly sought assistance for the healing of her daughter, afflicted by evil spirits. Tyre and Sidon were not Jewish cities, even though they were situated near them; they were Gentile locations. Thus, she cried out, pleading for help and persistently worked to gain a response. Yet, there was no reply—not due to a lack of mercy, but to further her determination; and not only to augment her efforts, but, as I have mentioned, to also honor her humility.

Departing from the scribes and Pharisees who mocked Him, He journeyed to the area encompassing the cities of Tyre and Sidon to bring healing to the Tyrians and Sidonians as well.

These cities belonged to the Canaanites. How is it that, after instructing His disciples not to travel the path of the Gentiles (Matt. 10:5), He chose to do so Himself? He did, but not for the purpose of preaching; rather, He sought a brief respite. Thus, when He arrived, as stated by Mark (Mark 7:24), He entered a house and preferred that no one be aware of His presence; however, He was unable to remain hidden.

After departing from the Jewish people, the Lord journeyed to the regions of Tyre and Sidon. He moved away from the Jews to reach the Gentiles. Those who remained in that area were lost; yet, those in their lost state who encountered Him found deliverance. And indeed, a Canaanite woman emerged from those territories, crying out to Him, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, O son of David; my daughter is severely demon-possessed’ (Matthew 15:22). What a profound mystery! The Lord left the Jews behind, while the woman came forth from the Gentile land. He abandoned the Jews, and she renounced her idolatrous practices and unrighteous lifestyle. What they forfeited, she embraced. Whom they denied in the law, she began to acknowledge through faith. Thus, she intercedes for her daughter, representing the Gentile nation, who is ensnared by idolatry and sin, and is violently afflicted by demons.

Why did the God-Man, who instructed His disciples, ‘Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel’ (Matthew 10:5-6), Himself choose not to adhere to this command by departing to the regions of Tyre and Sidon? He did not violate the directive that He had given to His followers, nor did He abandon the people of Israel; for the command does not prohibit approaching Gentiles entirely but prefers the Israelites, indicating, ‘Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ This preference was due to the fact that they were the recipients of the law and the covenant, having been informed by the prophecies that spoke of Him, which enabled them to recognize Him.

Peace flows abundantly in Your name, O Jesus our Savior! Wherever this sweet fragrance of gracious myrrh is experienced, it attracts weary hearts in search of solace and tranquility. JESUS LEFT THAT PLACE, departing from the region of Gennesaret to the lands of Tyre and Sidon. “But how could He instruct His disciples saying, ‘Go not into the way of the Gentiles’ (Matt. 10:5), and yet now He chooses this path Himself?” - Saint Chrysostom poses and elucidates: - Firstly, He was under no obligation to act according to His own commandments; secondly, His journey to these nations was not for the purpose of preaching, as Mark also indicates (Mk. 7:24), explaining that the Lord intended to remain hidden but could not do so.

Afterward, Jesus traveled to Tyre and Sidon, regions in the Gentile territory of Phoenicia along the Mediterranean coast, where the key cities were Tyre and Sidon. He likely left Galilee to seek respite from His adversaries and the agitated crowds, allowing the people a chance to settle down and return to their daily routines. This intention behind the journey is reflected in the words of the Evangelist Mark, who mentions that upon arriving at a house, Jesus wished to keep His presence a secret but was unable to do so (Mk. 7:24). His reputation extended far beyond Galilee and Judea, and He was embraced everywhere as a remarkable Miracle Worker.

To escape further accusations of Pharisaic treachery and to find solace for His troubled spirit, the Savior chose to temporarily leave Palestine and journey to the nearby region of Phoenicia. "And going forth from thence, Jesus departed into the countries of Tyre and Sidon." At that time, Phoenicia was experiencing the decline of its historical significance, with more ruins than thriving towns along its coasts. It was a center of idolatrous evil, the homeland of Baal and Astarte, who had repeatedly led Israel into deep temptation, a land enveloped in pagan darkness. Yet, even in this place, a glimmer of hope was destined to shine "to enlighten the Gentiles." This light appeared through the transient presence of the true Source of illumination. Prior to His arrival, news of the Savior's miraculous deeds had already reached Phoenicia, resonating within the hearts of many who believed. There were also numerous weary souls yearning to find peace for their spirits in Him.

Having departed from that place, we note His journey into the regions of Tyre and Sidon. Should one inquire how Christ, who instructed His disciples, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles” (Matt. 10:5), ventured into that path Himself, we can respond in two ways: First, He was not bound to adhere to the same instructions given to His followers; secondly, He entered these territories not for the purpose of preaching, which is acknowledged by Mark, stating that the Lord sought to be concealed, yet could not escape notice (Mark 7:24). It was not fitting for Christ to initially approach the Gentiles, yet it would have been contrary to His compassionate nature to turn away from them when they came to Him. If He was to refrain from abandoning those who fled from Him, then certainly He would not forsake those who pursued Him.