Reading
Matthew 15:21-28
Introduction
Jesus has withdrawn from Galilee, along with his disciples. He's gone northwards to the region of Tyre and Sidon, a place not generally popular with Jews, perhaps for that reason he may find some peace and quiet.But someone there has heard about the prophet from Galilee. She has a problem, she believes Jesus can solve it. But there are huge obstacles for her to overcome. And the Lord's attitude towards her strikes us as strange, to say the least.
When we realise that throughout these chapters Jesus is training his disciples, and the encounter with this woman is an opportunity to teach them something, as well as test the reality of her faith, we can see it in a more positive light.
Faith is something that's really important to God. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) says, "… without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
What can we learn from this woman's faith?
Faith Makes a Way for Anyone
First of all, faith makes a way for anyone. As I said, she had huge obstacles to overcome.
First of all, she was a woman and, in the society of the day, that made her a second class citizen. Many Jewish rabbis wouldn't even talk to their own wives in a public place, let alone speak to a foreign woman.
And there was her next problem: she was a Gentile. Gentiles were considered by many Jews as "dogs", slightly better than pigs but not by much.
And then, she was a Canaanite, descended from original inhabitants of the land before the time of Exodus.
And this story tells us that however far away we may be from God, however far we may think we are, whatever we may have done or been that we feel excludes us from coming to God, we learn that faith is the way back.
God is always looking for faith. And this faith is not just a vague belief in his existence but it's a faith that drives us to earnestly seek him.
Faith has an Object
We learn that faith has an object and, for this woman, the object of her faith is Jesus himself.
In verse 22 we see that she recognises who Jesus is. She calls him "Lord"; she addresses him as the "Son of David", which is a Messianic title. Isn't it amazing that this Canaanite woman recognised just who Jesus was?
Verse 25 tells us that she comes and kneels before him, and the New Living Translation expresses that in terms of worship.
Who or what do you put your faith in?
Faith has Vision
Next, we learn that faith has vision.
Hebrews 11:1 from the New Living Translation tells us that "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see."
Do you have a vision?
Faith is Tenacious
Next, we see that faith is tenacious. She asked for mercy, "but Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word," the Scripture tells us. But she is determined, she's persistent, she's committed to what she's doing, she's active in her faith. So much so that she annoys the disciples. They turn to Jesus and say, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."
Jesus turns to her, and he says, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." What would you have thought at that response? Is your faith easily discouraged by opposition? Would you have thought, "Well, that's it! I might as well give up now."? This woman didn't!
Faith is Audacious
We learn that faith is audacious. Apparently rebuffed, she comes and kneels right in front of Jesus. "Lord," she says, "help me!"
Does your faith lead you nearer to Jesus?
Jesus says, "It's not right to throw the children's food to the doggies." And this woman is undiscouraged by that! In fact, she sees a chink of light! She's almost there! And, wisely and intelligently, she replies, "True, but even the doggies eat the crumbs under the table." I may be a dog, she says, but your crumbs are enough for me!
Does your faith punch a way through the obstacles?
Faith is Rewarded
Finally, we see that faith is rewarded! Jesus was very pleased with her faith: "Woman," he says, "you have great faith! Your request is granted." Her need was met, her daughter was healed.
• Faith is more important to God than race.
• Faith is more important to God than gender.
• Faith is more important to God than history.
• Faith makes grace available to anyone!
How to Develop Great Faith
How do we develop great faith; faith that is not some easy believe-ism, but a faith that's intimate, living, and dynamic?
Faith is like a muscle – use it or lose it! Begin with whatever measure of faith you may have. Make Jesus the object of your faith. Identify your vision and take it to Jesus. Be tenacious in your trust of Jesus. Be audacious in the face of obstacles. Reap the reward of your earnest seeking.
