IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Jesus Blesses Faith

Date: Jul. 27, 2015

Passage

Matthew 15:21-28 

The Faith of a Canaanite Woman

21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

First, "Lord, have mercy on me!" (21-24) Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Perhaps he did not intend to have a public ministry there. But a Gentile woman came to him for help. Her daughter was demon-possessed. She begged Jesus for mercy. Jesus did not immediately answer, so the woman persisted in her cries. The disciples urged Jesus to send her away. Jesus told the woman that his ministry was for the Jews. This was the truth but it was also a test.

Second, "You have great faith!" (25-28) Love for her suffering daughter compelled this woman to press on. She knelt before Jesus and begged for mercy. Jesus replied that it was not right to take bread meant for children and toss it to their dogs. The implication was harsh. It was another test. Indeed, no one deserves God's mercy because all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. By faith, the woman accepted Jesus' words spiritually and answered wisely. Jesus recognized her great faith and healed her daughter.

Prayer: Lord, we deserve nothing from you but please have mercy on us. Thank you for hearing our prayer.

One Word: Humbly come to Jesus in faith

Daily Bread

God is Our Deliverer

Psalm 78:40-72

Key Verse: 78:65

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
like a strong man shouting because of wine.

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