But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Christ says He was sent to the Jews alone, not because His power was confined there, but because the Father's design required Him to begin with them and devote Himself to them in a particular manner. The middle wall of partition was not broken down until after His resurrection, so that He might preach peace to the Gentiles in their proper order.
AI summary
Christ left them justly, for willful prejudice against the Gospel provokes Him to withdraw His light. Yet into that dark corner near Tyre and Sidon He came with mercy in store, showing that the ends of the earth shall see His salvation even when the favored reject Him.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 15:21-28
As a prophet discharging His personal ministry, Christ was sent only to the Jews; as a priest and Redeemer, He atones for all God's elect whether Jew or Gentile. But His own ministry was confined to the lost sheep of Israel, and only after their rejection were the apostles sent among the Gentiles.
AI summary