A Narrative Analysis of Matthew 15:21–28 and Its Missional Implications for Contemporary Christian Mission

Abstract

Scholars are of different opinions on the issue of how the woman in Matthew 15:21-28 was treated by Jesus. Some say the responses of Jesus were negative while others argue they were positive. In view of the divergent interpretation of the story of the Canaanite woman in this passage by scholars, this thesis sought to study the passage. In this undertaking a narrative analysis of Matthew 15:21-28 and its missional implications was carried out. The narrative analysis, which aligned with the Historical-Grammatical Method of Biblical interpretation, focused on rhetorical figures like inclusions, chiasms, parallelisms, repetition of keywords, settings, characterization, point of view, and plot development was undertaken to achieve the goal. After careful analysis of Matthew 15:21-28, the study ascertained that the responses of Jesus which were seen as negative were positive. This clarified that the mission of Jesus was not selective. It included even the Gentiles. This decision was informed by the fact that Jesus never chased away the woman as was requested by his disciples. He finally applauded the faith of the woman. This study ascertained that the responses of Jesus were positive and needed the woman to show her faith in Jesus. It explored the mission of Jesus to the Gentiles. The study further contributed to the proper understanding that the mission of Jesus included the Gentiles and drew implications for guidelines for cross-cultural ministry. The Seventh-day Adventist church in Zimbabwe needs to admit that the mission of Jesus included the Gentiles so it must include even those who seem to be excluded by gender, cultural, social, political, or religious boundaries. Intentionally the mission has to target those who seem to be excluded and the policies and attitudes that suggest exclusion should also be examined and discontinued.