Remarkable Faith Series

REMARKABLE FAITH

Mark 7:24-30

I have certain resources that I use to find stories to illustrate the truths that we are examining as we walk through God’s Word each week. This past week I set out to find a good illustration on great faith. I quickly realized that none could compare to the examples of faith that are recorded in the Gospels. Stories like the leper that fell before Jesus and worshipped Him and said “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean (Matthew 8:2) This kind of faith was also seen in Jairus when he came to Jesus begging Him to heal His daughter who was at the point of death. Great faith is also illustrated in the story of the woman who suffered from an issue of blood for 12 years. She sought Jesus out and said "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." (Mark 5:28) Great faith is seen in the Centurion who requested that Jesus heal one of his servants that was paralyzed and suffering. He trusted that if Jesus would only speak the word then his servant would be healed. On that occasion, Jesus marveled and said to those who were with Him "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! (Matthew 8:10)

Our selected text records another of those great illustrations of faith. A Gentile woman approached Jesus on behalf of her daughter who was possessed by an “unclean spirit”. At first, Jesus ignored the woman, and then it seemed that He declines her request. But this Gentile woman was undeterred; she continued to plead with Him to deliver her daughter. She is a picture of someone who will not take no for an answer!

This woman came before Jesus with humility, consistency, and faith. So much so that Jesus said to her "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." (Matthew 15:28) Matthew goes on to tell us that “her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Friends, it pays to have faith in God!

- I would like to examine this woman’s story and preach on the subject “Remarkable Faith”. In the process, I hope that you see the necessity and the benefit of putting your faith in Jesus. Let’s begin by considering:

I. THE OCCASION OF THIS WOMAN’S REMARKABLE FAITH

v24 From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden.

Jesus and His Disciples had spent more than a year in Galilee. Now, Jesus’ Galilean ministry has come to a close. The people had seen His miracles; they had heard His teaching, and they had ample time to put their faith in Him as the Messiah. There were many who did just that, but the majority of the people rejected Him. Throughout the first half of Mark’s Gospel account we have seen vast multitudes following Jesus. But they were superficial followers, they were amazed by His mighty works, but they did not see Him for who He really was. John tells us that there came a point when the majority of them turned away from Him and “followed Him no more” (John 6:66)

It was at this time that the opposition to Jesus began to increase. The religious leaders constantly challenged and opposed Him. The Pharisees and Herodians were collaborating as to how to destroy Him. And King Herod wanted to execute Him. (Luke 13:31) For these reasons Jesus departed Galilee and entered into a Gentile region. He did not do this out of fear; rather it was because His ministry focus had shifted.

The shadow of the Cross was growing closer; the Crucifixion was some months away, and Jesus knew that it was necessary for Him to prepare the Disciples for what was ahead. Therefore, “He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon” (v24) These were two Gentile cities on the Mediterranean coast North of Galilee. As we will find in this passage, Jesus was first called to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom to the Children of Israel. But He would also minister to the Gentiles and later, He would send His Disciples to minister to them as well. Jesus said in - Mark 13:10 that the Gospel must be preached to all the nations.

On this specific occasion, Jesus did not come to this region looking for a ministry opportunity; He was hoping to get some rest. But as soon as He arrived word spread that He was in the area. (v24 He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden)

- This Syrophoenician woman encountered Jesus shortly after He arrived in the area. She hoped that He would help her with a very serious situation. Let’s look to verse 25 and see: