A Mother's Faith That Just Won't Quit!
Notes
Transcript
Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.” But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us.” But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” And He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.
She Seeks Thoroughly
She Prays Fervently
She Worships Constantly
Today is a day which many people across the country and world give special honor to the women who birthed them, raised them, and/or demonstrated the love of a mother in their lives. I recognize that not everyone knew or had their birth mothers, but I believe all have experienced a mother’s love at one point and beyond in our lives. Far before Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in 1907, which resulted in worldwide observance, the creator of life gave life instructions that all should give high honor to their mothers. Their are various mother attributes we could study to provide a reason to give such honor, and provide examples for mothers to follow. And I believe the circumstance recorded in this passage provides one of those reasons and examples. What I want us to see and be encouraged by in this passage is “A Mother’s Faith that Just Won’t Quit”.
When I speak of faith connected with a mother, I am specifically referring to her connection and actions toward GOD on behalf of her children!
This was a day that Jesus was trying to get away from the exhaustion and outer threats. He left Galilee, traveled to the west coast which was a Gentile area. All of a sudden, here comes this woman, who Matthew calls a Canaanite because he is emphasizing the historic relations between Jews and this part of the land. Similar to how some of us would call Oklahoma Indian Territory. Canaanites were historic enemies and abhorrent to Jews. Yet and still, because this woman heard about Jesus, connecting him with the promised king from David, knowing his healing power, and knowing for certain the spiritual situation with her daughter, she came looking for him in what most would recognize as an inconvenient moment.
Application: All of us as children have had moments in our lives, where we have behaved under the influence of satanic powers. Lying, stealing, talking back, attitudinal, sexual misconduct, fighting, and many more poor decisions. Our mothers knew nowhere else to turn but to the Lord!!
Application: In addition, our mothers prayed constantly for us. Notice the text says this woman began to cry out. “Cry out” is in the imperfect tense, which means she kept on praying. Thank GOD our mothers kept on praying. Notice the start of her prayer, “Have mercy on me”. See, seen or unseen, our behaviors had an extreme effect on our mothers!! But whenever your child reaches these type of periods, don’t stop praying.
But Jesus does something interesting, which only Matthew records, he didn’t say anything. Furthermore, his disciples make the situation even more difficult. They are on this getaway with Jesus, so they’re trying to get a break too. And they start getting annoyed because she wouldn’t stop pursuing and praying out loudly. So they say “Jesus would you do something about this woman!!” Now Jesus responds to inform her that his mission is for Israel. But she responds with non-stop worship.
Application: The heart of a mother, knit to her children, and knit to the Lord, won’t stop at anything to worship GOD. A lot of us may not realize, that children are often who keep mothers worshipping! Not that children are the tie between a mother and GOD, rather she does it for the benefit and support of her children. Even when folks are on the sidelines ridiculing and dismissive, a mother who absolutely loves the Lord, will keep on worshipping against all odds. Even when God’s response for the moment seems adverse.
Then Jesus gives her a parable, which essentially says that it’s not appropriate to deprive children of food to give it to dogs. The Jews actually viewed Gentiles like wild stray dogs, and unclean. The meaning of the parable was that Jews, the covenant people of GOD should not be deprived in order to bless Gentiles. So the woman responds with humility and intelligence. She doesn’t fight Jesus’ statement, instead she accepts it, but acknowledges that GOD is the GOD of all humanity! Her mention of dogs isn’t a wild one, but a domestic one. Yes they have their place, but they still receive a crumb of blessing and are satisfied.
Application: Our mothers have denied themselves, lowered themselves, all so they can bring a crumb of blessing to their children. They’ve waited in lines, waited on college, reduced work time, reduced pay, etc. Why? Because they were trying to get us help. Figuring out the best doctors, with limited insurance. Finding a way to get us out of satanic environments, into a better one. Realizing all the while that they are at the Father’s mercy. Knowing she’s not worthy in God’s sight. But he’s still her GOD, and she ain’t too proud to beg GOD for the sake of her children!!
Jesus sees and hears all this, and emotionally reveals what he’s been doing all along, and that’s testing her faith!! Although she is a Gentile, separated from the covenant with Israel, she demonstrates a remarkable trust in GOD that Israel was expected to show. His disciples heard her voice and got annoyed. Jesus heard how loud her faith was!!
Application: We should thank our mothers, who never gave up their faith! Yes faith benefits self, but theirs something in a mother that demonstrates faith on her child’s behalf too!!
A Mother’s Faith that Just Won’t Quit!!