'Have Mercy on Me' The Story of the Canaanite Woman in Matthew 15.21-28

Matthew's gospel begins and ends with the Jewish-Gentile debate, and at the heart of both the issue and the gospel is the story of the Canaanite woman. It is a story that reveals tension between Jews and proselytes in Matthew's community and responds to the question, 'What must one do to be a member of the community'? This study focuses on the stereotype of the woman as a Canaanite as well as Matthew's sources and the form of the story. The conclusion is that the story reflects a reinforcement of Jewish law that allows gentiles to attain membership in the Matthean community, thus continuing the Jewish tradition that allows gentiles into the faith.Jackson, Glenna S. is the author of ''Have Mercy on Me' The Story of the Canaanite Woman in Matthew 15.21-28' with ISBN 9780826461483 and ISBN 0826461484.