Sermon Notes

The Situation – We have a lot in common with the Gentile woman ~ Matt 15:22

A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” Matthew 15:22 NLT

– Matthew provides brief yet significant background information about the woman who encountered Jesus.

– She was a Gentile woman, specifically a Canaanite.

– The woman had an urgent need; she sought help for her daughter, who was tormented by a demon.

Application

Regardless of our background, nationality, religion, race, or political beliefs, we all share a common issue that only Jesus can resolve. While our needs may differ and may not involve deliverance from demonic possession, everyone ultimately requires liberation from sin through the saving power of Christ.

The Complication – What’s wrong with being a Gentile? ~ Matt 15:22-24 & v26

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. V22 KJV

• Historically, the Canaanites were the inhabitants of Canaan, the promised land that God designated for Abraham and his descendants.

• God instructed Moses and the Israelites to take possession of the land of Canaan by driving out the Canaanites, who practiced idolatry and wickedness. This is outlined in Numbers 33:50-56, Exodus 23:20-24, and Deuteronomy 9:3-5.

• It is believed that the Canaanites worshipped the false god El, along with his consort Asherah.

Application

Due to the historical tension and division between the Canaanites and the Israelites, it would have been socially unacceptable for a Gentile woman to have good relations or harmony with a Jewish man and his Jewish disciples. However, this woman was willing to defy the cultural norms of her time by approaching Jesus and engaging him in conversation.

The Solution and Celebration –  Once we were outsiders, but through Jesus, we have been welcomed in ~ Matt 15:25-28 & Romans 9:22-28 & 30-33

• Because of the faith and persistence of the Gentile woman, Jesus praised her faith and granted her request for her daughter’s healing and deliverance.

• As a Jewish man and Messiah, Jesus broke down barriers, which was part of God’s plan all along.

Romans 9:25-26,30 NLT

Concerning the Gentiles, God says in the prophecy of Hosea, “Those who were not my people, I will now call my people. And I will love those whom I did not love before.” [26] And, “Then, at the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’” [30] What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place.

Application

The Bible clearly states that the Jews are God’s chosen people, as Paul mentions in Romans 1:16—the gospel is for the Jew first! However, the wonderful news for the entire world is that God has opened the gates of salvation not only for the Jews but for people of every race and culture. While we might not always agree with everyone or their decisions, it is important to remember that they are still loved by God, and He desires for all people to come to Him. Like Jesus, we are challenged to treat everyone with dignity, respect, and love.

Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus was silent at first when the woman cried out to him (Matthew 15:23)?
2. Many readers find Jesus’ comparison of the Gentiles to “dogs” disturbing (Matthew 15:26). How do you interpret this statement? Consider the cultural context and the woman’s reaction?
3. Where have you seen the “crumbs” of God’s grace falling into unexpected places today? 
4. What does this story teach us about the inclusion of all people—including those who are different from us—into God’s family?
5. The disciples urge Jesus to “send her away” (Matthew 15:23). What do their actions reveal about their own understanding of Jesus’ mission and their attitude towards outsiders?
6. What do you think the disciples learned from this exchange with the Canaanite woman?
7. How do you think this story might have helped prepare the disciples for their later ministry to all nations? – See Acts 10:9-16