Faith For Family Crises Series

Text: Matthew 15:21-28 MSG

“From there Jesus took a trip to Tyre and Sidon. They had hardly arrived when a Canaanite woman came down from the hills and pleaded, “Mercy, Master, Son of David! My daughter is cruelly afflicted by an evil spirit.”

Jesus ignored her. The disciples came and complained, “Now she’s bothering us. Would you please take care of her? She’s driving us crazy.” Jesus refused, telling them, “I’ve got my hands full dealing with the lost sheep of Israel.” Then the woman came back to Jesus, went to her knees, and begged. “Master, help me.” He said, “It’s not right to take bread out of children’s mouths and throw it to dogs.” She was quick: “You’re right, Master, but beggar dogs do get scraps from the master’s table.” Jesus gave in. “Oh, woman, your faith is something else. What you want is what you get!” Right then her daughter became well.”

Introduction

A. Faith's great importance:

(1) Faith in Christ saves the soul

(2) Faith brings answered to prayer

(3) Faith drives away anxiety

(4) Faith pleases God.

B. Faith's a great test:

(1) When a loved on is afflicted.

(2) Family crises drive us to our knees.

C. Lessons from a woman of Great Faith

Body

A. The dilemma of a Mother(vs 22)

1. "My daughter is grievously vexed with the devil":

(a) Mark says this was an unclean spirit.

(b) The daughter controlled by unclean thoughts

(c) Probably suffered times of profane rage.

2. This gentile mother's prayer:

(a) "Have mercy on me, O Lord ,thou son of David".

(b) She accepted the deity of Christ.

(c) She believed He could deliver her daughter.

B. The delay in the Lord's Answer(vs 23)

1. Here is faith under fire:

(a) She cried out for help and The Lord was silent.

(b) He was her only hope and He wasn't answering.

2. Has God seemed silent when you have prayed recently?

3. This desperate woman kept on crying out for help.

C. The disgust of the Disciples(vs23)

1. "Send her away"

2. We may be bothered by those who have made faith than we do.

3. We may be annoyed by those who are more persistent in prayer.

4.Why the disciples wanted her sent away:

(a)They wanted to get back to listening.

(b)They didn't want to get involved.

D. The dimensions of woman Faith.

1. she was a gentile, a woman of Canaan:

(a) She recognised Jesus as the Messiah.

(b) She called Him Lord.

2. She believed Jesus was more powerful than the devil.

3. She was able to see beyond seeming rejection:

(a) He said He was sent only to Israel.

(b) She responded: "Lord, help me"

4. She understood Jesus better than His disciples:

(a) She took the humble place.

(b)."Dogs eat of the crumbs from their master's table".

(c) Her faith in Christ demanded she keep praying.

Conclusion

A. The Lord answered this troubled woman's prayer

1. He saw her great faith and commended her.

2. Her daughter was released from the demon's power.

3. The miracle took place immediately.

B. Faith tested under fire is stronger in the next crisis.

C. Trust God to answer your fervent, persistent prayer.