Unentitled Desire

“And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.’ … And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’” (Matthew 15:22-27)

After a group argument over who was the greatest disciple (Mark 9:33-34), James and John pulled Jesus aside to seal the decision and secure the position at his right and left hand (Mark 10:35-37). Still, they were stuck in their old merchant’s game, out-fishing and out-haggling one another to win the top prize. But Jesus reminded them that the kingdom operated by reverse rules: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

Entitled disciples come to Jesus as James and John did: “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you” (Mark 10:35). We’ve been following you long enough for a long while, Lord. It’s about time for you to give us what we want.

Jesus is so remarkably humble that he will give ear to our entitled prayers, just as he did for the sons of thunder. But what he wants is humble faith—an unentitled desire for whatever he tosses our way, even if we must receive it from his feet. 

The Canaanite woman knew that Jesus owed her nothing. When the disciples told Jesus to drive her away, they were following the ancient way set before Joshua: drive out the Canaanites, at all costs.

She knew that she didn’t deserve demonic deliverance for her daughter.

So she didn’t ask Jesus to give her what she deserved.

She asked Jesus to let her have the children’s bread, even though she was an undeserving dog. 

And this kind of prayer—fueled by faith that Jesus has everything to give and we have nothing to deserve it—is the request that stunned our Savior.

“Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.” (Matthew 15:28)

Are you coming to Jesus with entitlement? Do you think he owes you a pension for your extended service—or do you say, “I am an unworthy servant” (Luke 17:10)? Are you fighting for a seat at the table, or are you still amazed that Jesus would let you nibble from the grace on the floor?

The world fights for better seats. But miracle crumbs fall from the Master for those who are willing to eat at his feet.