October 2, 2005 Summit AM
Lessons From
The Canaanite Woman
Introduction
A. Text – Mt.15:21-28
B. Several passages in scripture are hard to understand –
to me this is one
1. Jesus seems to have a very calloused attitude toward a woman in need
a. She is a gentile – no rights
b. Yet Jesus has previously accepted gentiles
c. Why would He be so cold & harsh to her?
2. Only answer seems to be He wanted her to learn – respond right
a. She sees Jesus as a miracle worker
b. Not see Him as one to be worshiped & honored
C. Focus of this lesson – what can we learn from her actions about receiving from Him
D. Pray
A. Jesus
has deliberately withdrawn Himself
1. Perhaps needed quiet time to prepare Himself & disciples
2. Only place seems He can get away is in gentile territory
a. Jews would deliberately avoid – unclean
b. Mark says - try as He does He cannot keep His presence a secret
B. Woman has learned of His presence & comes with an appeal
1. Cries out – “Lord Son of David have mercy on me”
a. Intensity seen in Mk.7:24,25 – “as soon as heard Jesus there”
b. Word means, “loud speaking” = raising a ruckus
c. Demanding to be heard – not taking no for an answer
2. See her persistence – faced 3 obstacles
a. The silence of Jesus – ignoring her
(refusing to leave until gets what she wants)
b. Objections of the disciples
1) Aggravated – judged her as unworthy
2) Assumed Jesus not help such a despised person
c. Jesus’ statement – “only sent to lost sheep of house of Israel”
1) Was to concentrate His ministry on Israel
2) She not included in those He came to bless
(she worshiped false gods – an idolater)
3. See her humility
a. She comes worshiping Him
1) Words “knelt before Him” = proskuneo
2) Before He was just the Son of David – now Lord
3) He appeal is filled with adoration
b. Answer to His response – “give children’s food to dogs”
1) Accepted her unworthiness
2) Asks only for the crumbs – what asking is nothing to you
(pocket change)
4. Jesus’ response – you have great faith – granted request
A. What
it takes to receive blessings from the Lord
1. What stands out?
a. Her persistence
1) As soon as she has an opportunity – cries out
2) Refuses to take no for an answer
3) Obstacles are nothing – not allow them deter her
b. Her humility
1) Visually & verbally humbled self
2) Worshiped Him – knelt before Him
3) Appeals to Him as Lord – wants mercy
c. Her faith
1) Knows what asking is nothing for Him – great ability
2) Came on behalf of daughter – not herself
3) Knows He can – expects Him to respond
2. What about us?
a. How persistent are we?
1) In race – another pass us = give up
2) What does it take to get us to quit asking?
3) Do we pray as earnestly for our children as she did?
4) Lk.18:1-7 – pray & not give up
b. What about our faith?
1) Realize – only 2 places Jesus commends faith
a. Both instances are gentiles – here & Mt.8
b. Disciples had little faith
2) Seems as if those ought have faith had little or none
a. We ought have most faith – greater revelation
b. Rom.8:31 – “if God is for us who be against us?”
B. See the power of intercession
1. The request of one so unworthy is granted
a. No basis to think God ever listed, let alone answer
b. Not allow her unworthiness to deter her
2. Jn.14:12-14 – God wants to grant our requests
a. Wants to great things through believers
b. Yet we act like it’s useless – why bother
c. 1Jn.5:14,15 – confidence – ask anything according to His will
d. Where is our confidence?
C. God
rewards great faith
1. Over & over this is seen
in scripture
a. Both OT & NT
b. So easily forget & act as if all alone – must do it ourselves
2. How much faith do we have?
a. What is seen in our lives? What actions are expressing our faith?
b. Enough faith to pray & keep on praying until answered?
c. Enough faith to step out for Jesus?