Matthew 15:21-28, A Mother with Great Faith

Sunday, May 8, 2022

A Mother with Great Faith, Matthew 15:21-28

A. A Mother Reveals Her Problem (vv. 21-23)

1. Some things about this mother

a. She was a Canaanite, a Syro-Phonecian, a Gentile

b. She came from an area that was engulfed in pagan idolatry

c. Tyre and Sidon were major centers of worship for the fertility goddess, Astarte, known as Ashtaroth in the Old Testament

d. By culture and language, a Greek

e. By religion a pagan, undoubtedly an idol worshiper herself up until now. THIS DAY A CHANGE

2. Her greatest problem had to do with her daughter

3. Her daughter was grievously vexed with a devil (a demon) the horror of demonic power in her home

a. The most distressing of all parental problems is the devil’s attack on their children

b. The importance of praying for protection from Satan’s attacks on family members

B. A Mother Remains Persistent in Prayer (vv. 22-27)

1. She came to Jesus with her problem

2. Blessed is the woman who knows where to go with her problems

v. 22 ”and cried unto him. “Cry out”--(2896)(krazo) refers to a loud cry or vociferation and is a strong word expressing deep emotion.

3. She believed everything about Jesus

a. She believed He was the promised son of David

b. She believed in His deity

c. She believed in His power to answer her request

d. She believed He was interested and would answer

4. The problems confronting her answer (v. 23)

5. Notice these three repeated words: “But he answered” repeated three times here in vs. 23, 24, and 26. Underline them.

a. Jesus didn’t answer at first

b. The disciples wanted her sent away

c. The fact that Jesus did not send her away speaks volumes about His compassion for her

6. Her persistence despite discouragement (vv. 24, 25)

a. Her worship

1. Bow down (imperfect tense = "not only states that she did this, but describes her as so doing"--Broadus) (4352)(proskuneo from pros = before + kuneo = kiss or adore) means to prostrate oneself in homage before another in the full sense of worship, not mere reverence or courtesy.

b. Her simple prayer, “Lord, help me.”

c. The Lord’s strange statements

d. The Lord testing her faith

e. A dog at the table

C. A Mother Receives a Promise from The Lord (v. 28)

1. O woman, great is thy faith

2. Jesus commended her for her great faith

a. Better than great is thy beauty

b. Better than great is thy professional success

c. Better than great is thy influence

3. Her daughter was made whole from that very hour

4. This woman’s faith was great because she persisted in asking and trusting when everything seemed against her

5. Faith when coupled with prayer illustrates the power in prevailing in prayer

6. This mother’s persistence demonstrated her great faith

7. What a great lesson to every mother (AND EVERY FATHER). Plead for your children until you hear, O Woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.