Matthew 15:24

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

But {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036}, I am {G649} not {G3756} sent {G649} but {G1508} unto {G1519} the lost {G622} sheep {G4263} of the house {G3624} of Israel {G2474}.

He said, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Isra'el."

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

But he answered and said, I was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Context of Matthew 15:24

Matthew 15:24 is a pivotal statement by Jesus during an encounter with a Canaanite woman (also called a Syrophoenician woman in Mark's account). Jesus had withdrawn to the region of Tyre and Sidon, a Gentile territory. The woman, whose daughter was severely demon-possessed, approached Him, pleading for mercy. His initial silence and His disciples' request to send her away precede this verse. Here, Jesus articulates what appears to be a limitation of His immediate earthly ministry, setting the stage for a profound lesson on faith and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Primary Mission to Israel: This verse clearly states Jesus' initial and primary focus: "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." This aligns with Old Testament prophecies that foretold the Messiah's coming first to His own people (Isaiah 49:6). His ministry began with calling Israel to repentance and proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven among them.
  • The "Lost Sheep" Metaphor: The phrase "lost sheep" is a tender yet powerful metaphor for the people of Israel who had strayed from God's path, lacking proper spiritual leadership and guidance. Jesus often referred to His people in this way, highlighting His role as the Good Shepherd who came to seek and save them (Matthew 10:6).
  • The Unfolding of God's Plan: While seemingly restrictive, this statement also highlights the divine order of God's redemptive plan. Salvation was first offered to the Jews, and through their rejection and the subsequent work of Christ, it would then extend to the Gentiles. This encounter with the Canaanite woman serves as a dramatic foreshadowing of the gospel's eventual reach to "all nations" through the Great Commission.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Greek: ta probata ta apololota oikou Israel) directly echoes language found in the Old Testament, where Israel is often depicted as a flock and its leaders as shepherds. The term "lost" (apololota) signifies being astray, wandering, or perishing, emphasizing their spiritual need and vulnerability without the true Shepherd. Jesus' use of "sent" (apestalēn) underscores His divine commission and purpose, indicating that His mission was not self-initiated but divinely ordained.

Practical Application

Matthew 15:24 teaches us several important lessons:

  • Divine Priorities: God often works according to specific plans and timelines. While His ultimate love is for all humanity, there can be a sequence in His redemptive work.
  • The Nature of Faith: This verse, within its broader narrative, serves to test and reveal the extraordinary faith of the Canaanite woman. Her persistence, despite Jesus' challenging words, demonstrates a profound understanding of His authority and mercy. Her unwavering trust ultimately led to her daughter's healing (Matthew 15:28).
  • God's Expansive Grace: Even when Jesus states a specific mission, God's grace can break through perceived boundaries when met with genuine faith. This event showcases God's willingness to extend His mercy beyond initial expectations, foreshadowing the universal reach of the gospel. It encourages believers today to approach God with bold faith, knowing that His compassion is limitless.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 10:5

    ¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

  • Matthew 10:6

    But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

  • Romans 15:8

    Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers:

  • Jeremiah 50:6

    My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away [on] the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.

  • Jeremiah 50:7

    All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

  • Acts 13:46

    Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

  • Ezekiel 34:5

    And they were scattered, because [there is] no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.

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