What is remarkable about the story and the reason for its retelling by the gospel compiler, Matthew, is the person being addressed.
1. First, she was a foreigner who was (a) the object of hostility and (b) outside the scope of Jesus' immediate (but not ultimate) mission focus.
2). Second, she was astute to Jesus' humor and saw beneath the words being spoken by Jesus to set up a teachable moment. He might have seemed to be putting her off or putting her down, but he could tell she would not be deterred.
3) Third, she was not easily detracted. She had a real need for her daughter's well-being and she was not going to take "no" for an answer. So, she got in touch with her sassy, witty side and responded in kind.
Jesus interpreted that as faith.
Matthew does not record the smiles and winks, but if you read between the lines, they are embedded in the dialogue.
Matthew 15:28 :Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
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