Building Mega Faith
Building “Mega-Faith” – Matt 15:21-28 (Topics – 67)
§ What would someone write for your 4-word epitaph? Depend on how well knew, understood you. If my Mom said “My son is wonderful” bit slanted. But, if Kara said same – validity! If critic wrote of concert pianist 4 words: He was a failure. Could say: opinion. But if one world's great musicians wrote, "He was a genius," then you are apt to take the remark more seriously.
ð Character in Gospels of Matthew and Mark Jesus described w/ 4 immortal words. Don't know her name. All know is in single encounter w/ Jesus, He spoke what could be called her 4-word epitaph: Great is your faith.
ð 4 words – not much…but enough to make her immortal. 1 other time Jesus praise one for faith. Interesting, then was a Roman soldier in Capernaum – another Gentile! We can trust these words as true cuz expert on faith spoke them. Jesus searched for faith, like Indiana Jones for treasure. Did not always find in disciples. Never say of Peter, James, or John: Great is your faith. More often was what? “You of little faith.”
ð Need to consider Canaanite woman w/ more just academic interest. She awakens feelings admiration, even envy, cuz stands where most like to stand. What faithful Xian not like it said: Great is faith! What mean if young artist had Picasso tell her, “You have great talent?” Young b-baller have MJ say, “What a great shooter!” How great then to believer in God, Jesus place hand on shoulder: “You have talent for great faith.” How does one qualify for such praise? What one have to do?
° T – To answer these questions let us take a closer look at her story. In Mark’s gospel she’s called…
I. The Syro-Phoenician Woman
A. Came from a country of Palestine, an area hostile to Jews; presumably married, had least 1 kid; but that’s all we know about her. Don't know good or bad woman. We also know that Jesus left Jewish area - Galilee for port of Tyre, pagan Gentile. Very un-Jewish - un-rabbinical to do, but knew He was needed.
B. Notice verbs describing: she heard about Him, came to Him; Mark says she fell at feet, & begged His help. Yet Jesus - no answer. Her response to His non-response was - keep crying out to Jesus!
1. Desperate people do desperate things. When you’re desperate you don’t care what people think, nor do you give up easily.
2. Jesus finally said, “Been sent to lost sheep of Israel.” Why take food of children & give to dogs?” “Dog” better translated, little dog; puppy. “Not right take kid’s bread, toss to puppy.” Imagine apostle’s faces? What He say?
C. Jesus not being unkind, making point - 1st priority was Jews. In Mark 10:5-6, says (RD). “Yes, Lord,” she says, “but even puppies under table get crumbs.” Other words, “What saying true, but don’t need full meal. Just few crumbs sufficient!”
1. Can you picture Jesus at this point? Author FF Bruce says in his commentary that Jesus must have responded w/ twinkle in eye at her amazing response! HERE’S what He’s looking for!
2. Can you sense woman’s faith? Jesus did. Woman, He said, you have great faith! Greek phrase - meg-as sou pistis! Source of Eng prefix mega. Woman had mega-faith! From incredible recorded account, let’s notice then characteristics of mega-faith:
° T – 1st trait we can take notice of in the woman of great faith is...
II. Mega-Faith Doesn’t Deny Problem
A. See, having great faith is NOT power of pos thinking or way of looking at life thru rose-colored glasses. Mega-faith is realistic, acknowledging challenges, difficulties, struggles, sufferings. This unnamed woman has a desperate problem! She has daughter possessed by a demon! But, what we see is her relentless approach is kind of stressing apostles out!
B. Look at their approach to situation in Mt 15:23 – “send away! Ignore her!” Just chapter b4, did same thing. In Mt 14:15, as Jesus about to feed 5000, these guys offer similar advice (RD). “Let them go get their own food. Look other way!”
1. Listen, you may have desperate need in life right now. DO NOT IGNORE IT! Maybe it’s financial struggles, maybe difficulty in relationship – some aspect of personal life. Maybe it’s someone you want to reach out to with the gospel.
2. Facing a need for help doesn’t mean you’re weak in faith. It means that you have overcome one or more of the many reasons we choose to deny problems.
C. When we ignore and deny, has to be reasons. May be that we’re afraid of refusal or rejection – the one we ask for help won’t give it, or we’ll be embarrassed. Maybe we think we can handle the situation fine on our own. My prayer for you is that you will confront your problem realistically and deal with it!
1. If if’s personal, get help but don’t deny. If it’s in your service as a Xian or a sin you’re struggling with, grab hold of it and work on it – don’t just ignore and hope it goes away.
2. Canaanite woman didn’t pretend there was no problem – even out of fear of rejection – even AFTER experiencing rejection! She saw the problem and faced it head on.
° T – Next characteristic – see problem face-to-face…now what?!
III. Mega-Faith Knows Where to Go
A. Woman goes directly to source of blessing. Realized Christ was help & hope - threw self at His feet! Was act of submission – abandonment! 2 very important words spoke – Yes Lord! Knew He had answer – not her planning. Notice her address: “son of David.” That’s VERY Jewish – she’s not. But, she still knew that HE was her hope!
B. Asked earlier about YOUR desperate situation. We have to face our own realities…BUT – our needs must be taken to God. And I think we all know that and agree.
1. But – when we look at Jesus’ initial answer – may be taken aback. “…to the dogs!?” Have you ever NOT gotten answer to prayer you want? Finances no better – marriage no better – friend, family member still lost and uninterested in salvation? You’ve prayed and still struggling with sin and spirituality?
2. We all pray! We pray for help – we pray for growth – we pray for wisdom. So why don’t we get it? Why doesn’t Jesus just help her – HELP US – right off the bat?!
° T* -
IV. Mega-Faith Never Quits
A. How think she felt when Jesus doesn’t answer? Then, He does – has to be some discouraging! But she keeps asking. In Luke 18:1-8 Jesus tells parable of widow who keeps asking. Jesus says then, in Lk 18:7 (RD). B._____________________
C. When she gets home she finds child whole – demon gone. Faith like hers is rewarded. Not in same miraculous way – but certainly we can expect reward!