It didn’t seem to fit Jesus’ character to ignore a plea for help. She was a Gentile, but He had helped Roman soldiers before, what was his reason for ignoring this woman? The disciples were getting annoyed at her and told Jesus to send her away. When she continued to ask for help, Jesus finally said, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the children of Israel.”
Yet she persisted.
“Lord, please help me,” she said. “My daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely. Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!” And Jesus’ response was downright mean. “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs,” he said.
Still she pleaded.
“That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” Jesus finally blessed the woman, healed her daughter who was not even present, and praised the woman for her great faith!
What?!?
Why did he treat her like he did at first? Does God have a purpose in delaying answers to prayer? How do we know if we are praying for the right things? What is the right amount of faith to have?
Kyle Gladding, a math teacher at UCA, shares his thoughts this week on this unusual story from the gospel of Matthew. What can we learn from this story and how does it apply to our life today? Join us for this weeks sermon, “Will He Find Faith”.
