Matthew 15:21

Matthew 15:21, in plain English

Jesus left and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon, moving into Gentile territory. He's expanding His reach beyond the borders of Israel.

Why it's here

God's love isn't limited by borders, ethnicity, or background. Jesus' movement into Gentile territory foreshadows the global reach of the gospel.

Who's speaking

Matthew narrates Jesus' journey into non-Jewish territory.

Where it sits in the story

This geographical shift is significant. Jesus moves beyond Israel's borders, setting the stage for one of the most remarkable encounters in the Gospels.

The scholarly reading

Jesus' withdrawal (exelthōn) to the Gentile regions of Tyre and Sidon represents a significant geographical and theological shift. This is one of the few occasions Jesus enters predominantly Gentile territory.

Language and setting

Tyre and Sidon were Phoenician coastal cities in modern Lebanon. Jesus' presence there anticipates the post-resurrection mission to the Gentiles and tests the boundaries of His messianic mission.

Voice

The narrator describes Jesus' movement into Gentile territory.

Significance

After intense conflict with Jewish religious leaders, Jesus moves into pagan territory. This geographical shift signals a theological expansion of His ministry.

19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.

20These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.”

21Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.

22And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.”

23But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

Read all of Matthew 15 — Jesus dismantles the purity codes the Pharisees have built and shows that what defiles a person comes from within, not without.