Mother's Faith

Introduction: On Mother’s Day we salute our mothers and the mothers here who are raising the future generations. We look at a Mother whose faith was commended by Jesus. Her faith was rewarded. Paul tells Timothy that his faith first lived in his grandmother and mother. The mothers pass down faith it would seem.

I Cry of Faith, vv. 21-22

i) Her need brought her to Jesus: She had heard of Jesus and that raised her faith to believe for her impossibility. Have we made Jesus known as the Lord who can heal and deliver?

ii) Her situation: Her daughter was suffering from demon possession. Sin takes it’s toll. The thief comes to kill and steal. Demons can enter only as they are given room. God allows us to go through suffering to bring us to him.

iii) Have mercy on me: Calls Jesus Lord (Gr. Kurios, supreme ruler and controller). As an intercessor, she identifies with the person she is representing. She appeals to Jesus for mercy not her right of healing or favour. Simple prayer is answered: Thief on the cross: remember me in paradise; Tax Collector: have mercy on me I’m a sinner; Philippian Jailer: what must I do to be saved?

II Courage of Faith, vv 23-25

i) She was persistent: Jesus ignored her yet she persisted. She risked becoming a nuisance. She troubled the disciples. She had many barriers: a woman, a Gentile and a Canaanite. Yet she persevered. Jer 33:3 call to me and I will answer you...

ii) She knelt at Jesus feet: Even though Jesus says: "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel"; she presses through. Miracles happen at the feet of Jesus.

III Check of Faith, vv 26-27

i) Jesus indirectly insults her: In the analogy he refers to her as a gentile dog. Her faith is being tested, c.f., Rich Young Ruler: sell what you have, give to the poor and follow me. His besetting sin was his money. Her sin may have been her pride. She refuses to let it come in the way. She is humble and takes no offence at the insult.

ii) Healing is the children’s bread: Jesus reveals that like children’s bread, healing is our right. He was the bread of life come down from heaven. Give us today our daily bread!

iii) Stepping stone or stumbling block: Her humility helps her to see a way out of this dilemma. The little dogs are free to eat the scraps that fall from the children’s table.

IV Compensation of Faith, v 28

i) You have great faith: Jesus often found great faith among foreigners: Samaritan leper, Roman Centurion and here Canaanite woman.

ii) Your request is granted: Faith has a reward!

Conclusion:

We are encouraged today as we see this Mother who’s cry and courage of faith led her to pass the check of faith into the compensation of her faith. What is your need today? Are you willing to persevere, to humble yourself and to believe that God loves you and will reward your faith. Heb 6:12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.