MOTHERS WHO WALK IN FAITH
Matthew 15:21-28
INTRODUCTION: Anna M. Jarvis first suggested the national observance of an annual day honoring all mothers because she had loved her mother so much. At her mother’s memorial service on May 10 1908, Miss Jarvis gave a carnation (her mother’s favorite flower) to each person who attended the service. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.
- MOTHER’S TROUBLE!
When Jesus came to Trye and Sidon He found the same thing He found everywhere He went. He found a mother with some trouble. This woman came to Jesus because she was concerned about her daughter. The word “crying” indicates the genuine agony of her heart.
She did not come demanding of Jesus but pleading with Jesus to help her daughter. Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 15:21. Smart mothers know that Satan is real and that he is ought to destroy their children. 1 Peter 5:8. We need to learn, just like this mother to take our cares to the Lord. Do you believe that Jesus can do anything? Ephesians 3:20.
2. MOTHER’S TEST!
Matthew 15:23-26: this Canaanite mother saw Jesus as her only hope for her daughter. She came to Jesus begging, pleading that He would do something to help! She did something with her problem that we all must learn to do with our problems: Matthew 15:22. She made her cry to Jesus but there would be a time of testing of her faith. First the total silence of Jesus: Matthew 15:22-23. Jesus’ silence is not a lack of caring, it was a testing of this mother’s faith. The second test was the disciples were discourteous: Matthew 15:23. Sadly, the conduct of many of God’s children drive more people away from the Lord that draw them to Him. Jesus apparent refusal to help was the third test: Matthew 15:24. This Canaanite woman was not of the tribes of Israel and had no claim on Jesus as the Son of David. Jesus answered her in the same way she addressed Him. Jesus was not outside Judah by accident. He was on a mission there to help this very mother. Mother’s don’t give up easily when their children are in trouble: Matthew 15:25. This Canaanite woman is done with the Jewish stuff, now she just calls Jesus Lord. She has a stubborn faith. Jesus gives her one more test: Matthew 15:26. The Jews were the children and the Gentiles were their pet dogs.
3. MOTHER’S TRIUMPH!
The moment Jesus cracked that door of opportunity the least little bit this mother goes rushing into the presence of Jesus: Matthew 15:26-27. The pet dogs of the Jews did indeed eat the bread that fell from the table as the children were eating. This mother kept pleading until she finally got her answer! Matthew 15:28. Do you have great faith? Remember, silence is not unconcern. Jesus kept this mother waiting but the eventual answer was above her expectations. Faith in Christ was the key that unlocked the store of blessing which she needed. The lesson this mother teaches us is simple. Though God may test our faith in seemingly strange and unpredictable ways. Jesus will never turn away from His promises to help those who call on Him in their time of need. And He will never turn away from true faith!