The reason for this initial refusal is explained more in Matthew 15:26. In light of his general calling prior to his death (Matthew 15:24) and especially in light of his ministry following John’s death (see Matthew 14:13; Mark 7:24), Jesus had to reject her plea. The difference between this episode and that of the centurion of Capernaum in Matthew 8:5–13 lies in how the former was part of his public ministry in Galilee and related to a Gentile who stood close to the Jews and even lived among them. A rejection of the centurion would have distanced him from his people, but here in Matthew 15:23, heeding the Canaanite woman’s call would have the same effect. Jesus’ reaction to the woman has two purposes. First, he tests her faith, as he had done with others (see Matthew 9:20–22; John 4:48) and prepares her for his mercifully placing her on the same footing as an Israelite. Second, he shows his apostles that while he still confines his work to Israel, it will soon extend to the Gentiles, and that faith must lead to endurance (James 1:3): a lesson preparing them for their work.
In light of his calling prior to his death in general (Matthew 15:24) and particularly in light of his ministry following the death of John (see Matthew 14:13; Mark 7:24) Jesus had no other option but to reject the Canaanite woman’s approach. The key difference between this episode and that of the centurion of Capernaum in Matthew 8:5–13 lies in the fact that the former took place as part of his public ministry in Galilee and that it pertained to a Gentile who stood particularly close to the Jews and even lived in their midst. There a rejection of the centurion would have distanced him from his people, but here in Matthew 15:23 heeding the call of the Canaanite woman would have the same effect.1
The seemingly strange reaction of Jesus towards the woman has a twofold purpose. First, the faith of the woman is being tested by him, as Jesus had also done with others prior (see Matthew 9:20–22; John 4:48). Through his interaction with her the strength of her faith becomes evident. Secondly, it must not be forgotten that this episode takes place during the period in which Jesus is primarily instructing his apostles. They must learn to see that, although Jesus’ earthly ministry is at this stage confined to Israel, there are already glimpses of the future inclusion of the Gentiles—it can and it will always be that his work will also turn into a blessing to the Gentiles. Moreover, they must understand that faith must lead to endurance (James 1:3), a lesson of vital importance for the work they themselves will soon be called to perform.
Jesus therefore initially declines the woman’s approach precisely in order to prepare her in anticipation of something extraordinary that is about to happen. By his mercy, she is about to be placed on the same footing as an Israelite.2
The reason for this initial refusal to answer the woman is also later further explained in Matthew 15:26.3
23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.”