*Beyond Boarders: A Testament of Great Faith

The Meaning of Faith

When you hear the word “faith”, what do you think of ?

What does it mean to you?

In one sense “faith” defines the contours of the truths that we believe

Jesus = Son of God

Bible = God’s Word

Presence of the Holy Spirit

Resurrection

In this sense “faith” define WHAT we believe

“Faith” also is an action word.

In this sense, “faith” describes how we put our beliefs into practice in our lives

What does it mean for your life that:

Jesus = Son of God

That you believe that Bible is God’s Word

In this sense of “faith” is about how we act on the truths that we acknowledge

Considering these interpretations of “faith” and focusing on the 2nd one - faith as beliefs lived out

How would you rank your faith on a scale from 1 - 10?

Go one step further with that…How would Jesus rank your faith?

What would his perspective be on the strength and depth of your trust in him?

Exploring Matthew 15.21-28

With these concepts in mind about faith let’s look at this encounter between Jesus and Canaanite woman seeking healing for he daughter

This story illustrates lived out “faith” that breaks boarders: “BOARDER BREAKING FAITH”

She was an outsider

With a background distinctly different and even opposed to God’s people

Yet she steps forward in a display for faith that breaks thru cultural, societal, and even theological boarders

We’ll see that her boarder breaking faith transforms her from hurt to healing

As we look at this story it’s an invitation to contemplate the nature of faith that breaks boarders in our lives.

The story challenges us to reflect on how our faith should move us beyond our own personal limitations

It prompts us to consider hoe Jesus views such a faith - a faith that’s not limited to certain groups or people but is open to all who seek him earnestly

Matthew 15:21–28 NKJV

Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

---Exegesis---

Region of Retreat (v 21) — Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

Matthew tells us that Jesus "departed” [“withdrew”] to the region of Tyre and Sidon

He was in Jewish territory and retreated to a Gentile region

Just before entering Gentile territory, he had a heated debate with the scribes and Pharisees on the issue of traditional had-washing rituals and what truly defines “purity.”

After his confrontation with the Jewish leaders, the Disciples come to him saying that he offended the Pharisees with what he said.

So Jesus use this moment to teach the Disciples further on purity.

So, he confronts not only the scribes and Pharisees, but also has a deeper teaching moment with the Disciples.

Jesus chooses to “withdraw” to an area where he’ll be lesser known.

An area where he can get away from these heated debates and engagements.

But the move to Tyre and Sidon isn’t merely geographical - it’s symbolically significant.

Having just debated and taught on purity and cleanliness, he know moves into what would be an unclean region.

The scene is now set with Jesus’s strategic retreat

Request of the Canaanite (v 22) — And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

Jesus moved into Gentile territory to get away from the crowds and the debates...and Matthew tips us off that something remarkable is about to happen.

“Behold” - a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus for help.

In Mark’s account of this same story, Mark refers to her as a Syro-Phoenician .

Matthew calls her a Canaanite and by doing so emphasizes her nature as an outsider:

The term “Canaanite” is loaded with Old Testament implications.

They were the inhabitants of the land God promised to the Israelites.

They were known as idolators and even practiced child sacrifice - the enemies of the Israelites who embodied everything God’s people were taught to reject.

Adding to the complexity, She addressed Jesus as “Lord” and “Son of David”

“Lord” - She calls him by this title 3 times in their encounter.

“Son of David”

Of course Jesus is not the Son of David but when this title is applied to him it has Messianic meaning.

It is a very Jewish term for “Messiah” —OR— “Savior”.

This phrase means has a meaning of “king” or “ruler” but also has a meaning of “Savior” — he doesn’t merely rule over people but helps them — he’s the redeemer.

In fact, would could say that Matthew’s gospel is the story of the “Kingly Messiah”

A term that the Jewish religious leaders had rejected.

To make matters worse, she’s an unaccompanied woman approaching a Jewish Rabbi.

And Matthew really wants to emphasize her non-Jewish status by writing, “a woman of Canaan came from that region.”

The point being, she has no claim on God’s blessings.

To fully grasp the boldness of her approach, picture this scenario: Imagine you've just received a backpack that you absolutely adore as a child – it’s everything you wanted, in your favorite color, with the perfect pockets and compartments. Now, envision the school bully – known for being mean and hurtful – approaching you.

However, instead of their usual demeanor, they sincerely and genuinely ask if they can have your backpack. This request, coming from someone you'd least expect and in such an uncharacteristic manner, would be startling and bewildering. It's a request that turns the tables on what you know and expect.

Similarly, the Canaanite woman's request to Jesus is strikingly audacious espeically considering her background and societal status — it completely overturns the norms and expectations of her time.

APPLICATION: Hurt as the Soil of Border-Breaking Faith

This story is just getting started but we can already see some profound things happening in this mother’s life.

She approaches Jesus seeking help.

And…remembering all the work Matthew does to remind us of her status:

Outsider

Unclean

Canaanite — Enemy of God

Yet, we see she’s acting on faith.

She calls Jesus “Lord”

And even more striking she calls him “Son of David”

Jesus is the Messiah ruler who comes with mercy!

In the midst of this woman’s hurt we see the seed of her faith in which her HURT IS THE SOIL OF HER BOARDER-BREAKING FAITH.

In the midst of her hurt she’s focusing on Christ.

Her hurts don’t get the best of her, she breaks thru that boarder by focusing on Jesus as the Messiah-Ruler who Redeems his people.

Response of Silence (v 23) — But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”

The story takes a striking turn…This distressed mother who cries out to Jesus receives no response — SILENCE.

if we were approached by someone in great despair, we would probably engage with them — Even if it was to dismiss them.

The Disciples on the other hand are quick to ask Jesus to get rid of this woman because she “cries out after us”.

Jesus ignores her

The Disciples are annoyed by her

I think that possibly the Disciples are used to seeing Jesus respond compassionately to such requests and are asking him not to merely send her away, but to heal her daughter and get rid of her.

Transition: From this profound silence, we transition to Jesus' expression of His mission, which brings yet another new dimension to the narrative...

Revelation of Mission (v 24) — “But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

After a period of silence, Jesus finally speaks, saying he was sent only to the house of Israel.

Matthew tells us that “Jesus answered” — whom did he answer, the woman or the Disciples?

His reply was of course meant for all to hear but was possibly directed to the Disciples. request to heal the woman’s daughter and get rid of her.

Jesus clearly states a specific focus on the Jews, intensifying the woman’s exclusion based on ethnicity.

Bad to worse:

Silence.

Disciples trying to get rid of her.

Jesus saying that his mission doesn’t include her.

Transition: Next we’re going to see a shift in the woman’s approach

Reaction of Humility (v 25) — “Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’”

Undeterred in her request, the Canaanite woman kneels before Jesus: “Lord help me”.

Given how bad this situation seems for her, she doesn’t get angry or frustrated in her approach, she takes on an attitude of reverence and worship.

This unclean Gentile is a stark contrast to the Jewish leaders who reject Jesus…her approach to Jesus is a powerful expression of faith

It comes without demands, openly acknowledging her unworthiness, yet boldly seeking mercy.

WHAT BEGAN IN THE SOIL OF HURT, NOW FINDS ITS ROOTS IN HUMILITY

APPLICATION: Humility as the Roots of Border-Breaking Faith

Hurt is the soil where our boarder-breaking faith can start with a change in our perceptions.

We become more humble when we realize that we’re powerless over our circumstances.

This humility can give roots and begin to anchor our faith because our attitude and spiritual posture will reflect these changes.

We approach God not as entitled people where we come to him with a list of things we want or merely ask him to bless our plans.

Deep seated humility that recognizes our unworthiness yet rests on the Christ’s mercy are the roots of boarder-breaking faith…where we approach God on the terms of his grace and mercy.

Transition: This display of humility leads us to a critical juncture, where Jesus makes a remark that further reveals the priorities of His mission...

Remark on Priority (v 26) — “But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.’”

At this point we might expect a compassionate response form Jesus.

But he continues to affirm that his mission is for the Jews.

He speaks to her in a parable:

It’s not right to take the blessings meant for the God’s people, the Jews, and give it to an outsider which Jesus compares to a dog.

Again Jesus seems to shut her out reminding her of the outsider status…aligning with the longstanding belief that Messiah would come first for the people of Israel.

However…by responding in a parable he invites some deeper reflection. Suggesting possibly a test of faith.

Transition: In the wake of Jesus’ parable, we find the woman's response, which showcases not just her persistence, but also her deep trust in Jesus

Reply of Faith (v 27) — “And she said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.’”

She responds to Jesus’ parable in a profound way!

She says, “Yes, I accept place as an outsider to your mission but I know the abundance of you grace and it is so great that it overflows so that even a crumb would be sufficient.”

She’s humble, yet bold all the while accepting her unworthiness.

APPLICATION: Hope as the Nourishment of Border-Breaking Faith

Her faith begins in the soil of her hurt…finds it’s roots in humility...which fuels her hope in Christ.

Christ-focused hope is the nourishment of boarder-breaking faith.

Humility changes our perceptions and how we’re approaching God — we can now cultivate Redemptive-Hope.

It’s not a vague sense of hope:

“I hope our car doesn’t breakdown on vacation.”

“I hope LSU wins the game this weekend.”

It’s a Christ-centered hope that’s grace focused, approaching God on His terms.

It will propel us to break boarders in our lives because we will come to God like the Canaanite woman, with an attitude of worship and submission.

Rather than just trying to get a blessing from God, we submit to Him.

Transition: The woman's faith-filled reply sets the stage for the culminating moment of this encounter

Result of Belief (v 28) — “Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”

We see now the culmination of this encounter.

Jesus not only grants her request but also praises her faith as ‘great’.

This moment in the story shows the power of her faith as her daughter is healed and we see a glimpse Great Commission where people from all walks of life are included in the gospel.

Jesus says to her, “Great is your faith! Let it be as you desire!”

Matthew tells us that “Her daughter is healed from that very hour.”

Imagine the Disciples reaction!

This Canaanite becomes a model of Christ-centered faith.

Showing us that faith, even from an unlikely source, and facing what seems like impossible barriers can lead to miraculous outcomes.

Application: Healing as the Fruit of Border-Breaking Faith

The woman did some tough spiritual work, but it’s not without the fruit of healing.

Hurt: Soil — Humility: Roots — Hope: Nourishment — Healing: Fruit

The point isn’t to get something from God…Look what Matthew tells us:

V 28: And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Jesus performs a REMOTE EXORCISM and Matthew devotes only one sentence to it.

It seems like Matthew wants us to pay particular attention to the spiritual healing taking place.

Which is the greater miracle:

Jesus healing someone of demon-possession.

Jesus praising the faith of a Gentile woman.

Both are astonishing, but Matthew clearly gives more attention to the spiritual aspects of the story.

When we see a story like this and see the the great faith shown by this woman…we might compare our lives and faith to hers:

She’s: Persistent...Humble...Bold

It’s tempting to immediately think, I need more of those traits in my faith.

But imitating her misses the point.

If we need more persistence, humility, boldness, etc. then we need to determine what would fuel those types of things in our lives.

It comes down to how we view Jesus.

The Canaanite woman didn’t just decide that she needed to approach Jesus with persistence, humility, and boldness.

No…those things grew from her view of Jesus and his overflowing grace.

She saw Jesus as her Messiah-King.

She called him “Lord” every time she spoke to him.

She called him “Son of David.”

She was a Gentile saying these things.

She saw Jesus as special.

Do we view him as special.

Or has his uniqueness grown dim over time.

Closing

Psalm 51:1 NKJV

Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions.

This Psalm seems to closely reflect this story in Matthew 15

“Lord, have mercy on me, but not because I deserve it but because your love is faithful — God is the faithful One.

David says in the Psalm that God’s mercies are a multitude…they are ABUNDANT.

Just a crumb “Lord, Son of David” — The King who rescues.

She sees God’s grace as a gift that is not deserved nor could it ever be earned.

It’s God’s grace and mercy that not only helps us do new things like be persistent, humble, and bold....but it helps become new people by transforming us.

Boarder-breaking may start in hurt and suffering but it doesn't end there.

Because it’s it’s rooted in humility and nourished by Christ-centered hope, we know that the ultimate fruit will be healing.

The end of the story we’re left with 2 outcomes

Physical healing

Spiritual healing

Which is the greater miracle

Which one are you typically seeking in your life?

For God to do something miraculous in your circumstances?

For God to do something miraculous in your spirit?

Do you have a “just a crumb” attitude that approaches humbly yet hopeful because of God’s overflowing grace and mercy?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, we confess that You are the King who redeems His people.

In Your boundless love and mercy, You have offered us salvation and a new life in Christ.

We ask that we would begin to see more and more of Your grace and think less and less of our circumstances in comparison.

We ask that this story would serve as a reminder of the Gospel and your abundant grace. And Lord, we ask that no matter where we are in our spiritual lives that your would draw us even closer to you.

That our hearts would be opened more and more to the truths of the Gospel.

We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.

In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.