Desperate Faith

Desperate Faith: A Model for Trusting God in Trials

Bible Passage: Matthew 15:21–28

Summary: This passage tells the story of a Canaanite woman who approaches Jesus with a desperate plea for her daughter's healing. Despite initial resistance from Jesus, her faith persists, leading to a powerful miracle that highlights the strength of her belief and the opening of God's grace beyond Israel.

Application: This sermon can inspire Christians to deepen their faith during desperate times, demonstrating that true faith often involves perseverance and an unwavering belief in God's ability to intervene in difficult situations. It encourages listeners to approach God boldly and with desperation, knowing that He responds to genuine faith.

Teaching: Christians are taught that faith can arise from the most challenging circumstances, and that God honors persistent and humble requests for help. This passage encourages believers to remain faithful and to seek Jesus even when faced with barriers or feelings of unworthiness.

How this passage could point to Christ: This story of the Canaanite woman is a testament to the universal reach of Christ’s ministry. It foreshadows the breaking down of ethnic barriers and hints at the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God through Christ, mirroring the Great Commission and the message of salvation extended to all nations.

Big Idea: Desperate faith, characterized by perseverance and humility, draws the attention of Jesus and leads to transformative grace, showing that faith transcends barriers and that God is responsive to heartfelt cries for help.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider delving into the cultural context of the Canaanite woman and the implications of her faith as a Gentile. Explore possible exegetical challenges related to the perceived harshness of Jesus’ initial response. Using your Logos library, look at commentaries that address the tension between Jesus’ mission to the Jews and His eventual acceptance of the woman’s plea. This could provide deeper insights into His ministry and its implications for inclusivity.

1. Cry Out Persistently

Matthew 15:21–23

Perhaps you might explore how the Canaanite woman's persistence in reaching out to Jesus, despite being initially ignored, mirrors our need to persist in faith even when we feel overlooked. Her desperation did not deter her but rather fueled her tenacity. This suggests that part of having desperate faith includes being willing to cry out to God persistently, trusting He hears even when His response isn't immediate.

2. Call Out Humbly

Matthew 15:24–25

You could consider how the Canaanite woman approached Jesus with humility despite being initially rejected. Her humble repetition of her plea illustrates the kind of faith that doesn't take offense but remains steadfast. This can teach that desperate faith is marked by humility, which allows believers to keep seeking Jesus while trusting in His just nature regardless of their unworthiness.

3. Confront Challenges Boldly

Matthew 15:26

Maybe you can discuss how Jesus' challenging responses served to refine the woman's faith rather than discourage it. The testing of her faith strengthened her resolve and revealed her understanding of Jesus' mission. This indicates that desperate faith embraces challenges as opportunities for growth while remaining steadfast in belief that Jesus will provide mercy.

4. Claim the Unexpected

Matthew 15:27–28

Consider highlighting the way Jesus ultimately commends and rewards the woman's faith. Her willingness to accept even 'crumbs' of His grace showed her trust in His sufficiency. This faith not only resulted in healing but showcased how God's grace transcends cultural and social boundaries. Desperate faith leads to divine response and transformation, showing God's mercy knows no bounds.