More than crumbs

Introduction

Address discomfort: Old Testament, Gospel Accounts, Paul

Central Message

To have faith is to have a bold and persistent trust in God, who welcomes all who come to Him regardless of their background.

Body

Do not try to explain away the bible’s discomfort

The first thing I want to do is address two major issues that come up when we have a text like today’s text

Readdress discomfort

Old Testament

Gospel Accounts

Paul

Jesus did not sin thus he did not need to repent

The outsider boldly comes to Jesus

Mark 7:25–26 NIV

25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

Address the fact that this woman is a Canaanite woman

Address how the woman comes boldly to Jesus

Application

Be bold when you come to Jesus ( explain how boldness is not demanding , arrogant, or overbearing. Boldness is that desire and that longing to come to Jesus regardless of what anyone else thinks )

Jesus uses a metaphor not an insult

Mark 7:27 NIV

27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

Focus on how Jesus is using this as a metaphor to say that he has come first to the Jews , he is also using this as a teaching moment not only for this woman but for those who are watching .

The crumbs are enough

Mark 7:27–28 NIV

27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” 28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

Focus on the faith of a woman realizing that the crumbs of Jesus power and authority would be enough

Address how we don’t just get the crumbs from Jesus

A request granted because of faith

Mark 7:29–30 NIV

29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Point out how Jesus shows that the woman’s faith is the reason for the miracle

Application (So What)

Jesus doesn’t just toss us crumbs . regardless of our background , regardless of our social economic status, regardless of our race or ethnicity , regardless of our sex, regardless of our politics , regardless of denomination Our faith is what draws us to God, When Jesus reached out he reached out to Jew and gentile alike and he accepts all who will come. So regardless of what may be happening in your life, whether it is good times or bad times, whether it is times of joy, or times of sorrow turn to Jesus , go to Jesus, Have faith and kneeled before the father knowing that what he grants you will be more than just crumbs but the totality of his Love, grace, and mercy .

Conclusion

To have faith is to have a bold and persistent trust in God, who welcomes all who come to Him regardless of their background.