Great Faith and Little Dogs
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
I. Introduction
I. Introduction
21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” 23 But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” 24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” 27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
In this brief incident recorded by Matthew and Mark, we find one of the Lord’s most unique conversations. The setting is unique, the audience is unique, and Jesus’ words are certainly unique - even to the point of seeming derogatory and offensive. Yet in this scene, we meet the second individual in the gospels who possessed a faith that impressed Jesus. Why does Jesus act and speak the way He does, and what can this obscure woman teach us about having a great faith?
After the “Bread of Life” discourse, Pharisees and Scribes came from Jerusalem to investigate Jesus’ works and teachings. They were appalled to witness Jesus’ disciples eating with unwashed hands, thus breaking their traditions. This lead to a discussion between them and Jesus about the commandments of God and the traditions of men. Jesus also used the opportunity to teach about true uncleanness.
II. Setting
II. Setting
Departure of many after the “Bread of Life” discourse ()
Pharisees and Scribes come from Jerusalem to investigate Jesus. This leads to a confrontation regarding the commandments of God and the traditions of men.
Jesus withdrawals to the area of Tyre and Sidon, seeking solitude according to
Why? Possibly seeking an opportunity to teach His disciples (cf. )
In typical fashion, Jesus’ anonymity doesn’t last long, and people learn He is in the area. Particularly, one woman learns of his presence and seeks Him out, disturbing His attempt at solitude.
III. The Syro-Phoenician Woman
III. The Syro-Phoenician Woman
Jesus has had many conversations with many different types of people. He spoke privately with the Samaritan woman at the well. He called a tax-collector to be one of His disciples. But perhaps none of Jesus’ interactions is as scandalous to the Jewish mind as this one.
The woman is, well, a woman
She is a gentile
She is a Syrian from the area of Phoenicia, the area of Tyre and Sidon. Historically, Tyre and Sidon had often been the enemies of Israel
Matthew calls her a “Caananite.” No term of ethnicity showed a greater contrast than Canaanite. The Canaanites represented the very people that were supposed to be cast out; the people that plagued the Jews.
This woman’s resume is abysmal to the normal Jewish mind - a person not worthy of being talked to, more less helped by the Messiah.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark A Gentile Who Was a “True Israelite” (7:24–30)
This woman can claim none of the credits that a good Jew might bring to the Prophet of Nazareth. Her only cover letter is her desperate need
Despite her poor credentials, the woman will end up being highly commended for her faith, and receiving and answer to her petition!
Many question Jesus’ actions and words before finally granting this woman’s request. Some believe He was initially irritated, but impressed by her wit in the end, and thus gave in to her requests. What seems much more likely, is Jesus acted as He did and said what He did precisely because of her faith. Jesus knew her heart, but also saw fit to test her faith. Seeing her response and faithfulness, Jesus was impressed. Further, this scene was likely meant as an object lesson for His disciples, showing them the true plans of the Lord’s kingdom to envelope the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
What made this woman’s faith so great?
IV. Great Faith
IV. Great Faith
1. She had a Persistent Faith
1. She had a Persistent Faith
The woman faced a terrible situation. Her little daughter was possessed by a demon. No doctor could heal her; No pagan priest could cast it out. She had to watch her daughter be tormented by the evil spirit. Thus her plea is both for her daughter and herself, and why she begins with, “Have mercy on me!”
We’re not told how this woman knew about Jesus, but she believed He could help her. She was at least familiar with Jewish history and the Jewish teachings of the Messiah, and she believed Jesus was that Messiah, for she refers to Him as “Son of David.”
Jesus’ first response is simply silence. He says nothing to her, and does not acknowledge her painful situation nor her cries for mercy.
While this might appear rude, it does not detract the woman. She continues to make her request known, despite the Lord’s silence.
Her persistence shows how much she believed. She knew who can help her, and there is nowhere else to turn. Thus, she will continue to make her request.
We can learn a lesson of faith from the woman, particularly in our own prayers. Sometimes it seems as though our prayers are unheard, or it feels as though God is not answering our prayers. Sometimes, it may feel like the Lord is silent in response to our own problems and pleas. Giving up on God is a sign of weak faith. Strong faith will persist in following Him; persist in obeying Him; and persist in relying on Him, even when He seems silent. The Lord Himself exhorted us to ask, seek, and know.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Her persistence wore on the disciples, until they too asked Jesus to “send her away.” This probably doesn’t mean they wanted Him to send her away empty handed: based on Jesus’ response in verse 24 it seems they were asking Jesus to give her what she wanted so that she would leave them alone.
To earthly perspective, Jesus is being rude and uncaring. At least the disciples are willing to have her wish granted. But Jesus is silent for a purpose. He is testing her faith, which will bring great blessing. He is teaching her and the disciples important lessons. The disciples would do the same thing Jesus does in the end, but simply to be rid of a pest. What eternal good would that have brought anyone? What lessons would be learned?
As we serve and help others, let us remember to be patient, and seek to do what is right for the right reasons towards others, not what seems good simply for expedience.
Jesus finally speaks, and His response is directed towards the disciples. “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
While Jesus’ sacrifice would be for the whole world, the focus of His earthly mission was to be spent on Israel and the Jewish people. This was the general rule, but there were of course exceptions. The question is, why should this woman be such an exception?
The Woman was persistent despite this seemingly discouraging Word. She believed Jesus could heal her daughter, and that only He could heal her daughter. She knew her hope lay in Jesus, and so she came and knelt before Him in worship, and simply asked, “Lord help me.”
2. She had a Non-Contentious faith
2. She had a Non-Contentious faith
Persistence does not mean arrogance. While persistent, she is reverent. She kneels and worships. So far, she has not gained an inch of ground. Jesus hasn’t spoken to her, and His answer to the disciples is, “I’m here for Israel, not for her.” While this might be disappointing, even angering to some, she doesn’t reject Jesus. Even when things don’t go her way, she recognizes as that as the Messiah, He deserves her worship and reverence.
True faith worships God even when things don’t go our way. Even when hardship and pain abound, real faith worship God. Like Job who tore his clothes, fell down, and worshipped, those with strong faith serve God even when it almost feels like God is against them.
Further, she is humble. It takes humility to ask the basest question, “please help me.” Some people can’t accept they need help. Some people can’t lower themselves to such a state. But until we recognize we NEED the Savior, and that He alone can give us the help we need, our faith won’t be as strong as it should be.
Even when Jesus responds with seemingly harsher words, this woman accepts the truth of what He says.
When Jesus finally speaks, He says, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Mark 7:27)
Jesus says, “First” indicating there is hope for the gentiles, but right now is not there time. While this would give hope in the long run, this woman and her daughter need help now.
Jesus’ terminology seems to be quite offensive. He practically seems to call the woman and gentiles at large, dogs. The Jews often thought of Gentiles in such a way, and referred to them as such. Jesus is not subscribing to racism though. The term He uses is accurately translated “Little dog.” The Jews typically did not keep dogs as pets, and most dogs were half wild, street scavengers. Greeks and some gentiles tended to have dogs sometimes, and much like us these pets often stayed in the home and played with the children. The term “little dogs” seems to indicate the latter - a pet allowed in the house, and even to lay beneath the table at dinner.
Jesus is not excluding the woman or Gentiles from His “house.” Still, the term seems harsh. The picture is simply what he’s already stated - Israel was the chosen nation of God. Jesus’ mission was primarily to them, and thus that’s where His focus lies. No parent would take food away from their child in order to feed the household pet.
Further, Jesus’ words are likely testing the woman. He has performed healings for Gentiles before (Centurion, Gadarene Demoniac) and will do so in the future. Thus, it seems this is a comment made for this specific situation. A discussion to teach His disciples, and test her faith. How will she respond to His reasoning?
Notice she does not disagree with or dispute with Jesus. She actually agrees! She says, “Yes Lord” or “Truth Lord.” She isn’t outraged by His comment - She accepts it because He said it. She accepts His mission is to the Jews. She agrees it is not acceptable to take away from that purpose or detract from it.
Some people only agree with what they want to agree with in God’s Word. When it condemns something they like, or requires something they despise, they reject it, or argue it away. Real faith accepts the Word of God as truth, even when it’s a difficult truth to swallow.
She does not seek to alter or change what Jesus said. When we accept the Lord’s words only after we’ve altered them to fit our desires, that’s not faith at all.
While agreeing with Jesus, she still persists. How does she do this?
3. She had a Faith that Reasoned
3. She had a Faith that Reasoned
While it might seem like the woman was disputing or arguing, she wasn’t. She wasn’t suggesting something new or altered. She didn’t disagree with what Jesus said. On the contrary, she based her plea on the very words of Jesus. She uses Jesus’ premise as the very reason for expecting Him to grant her request.
She accepts Jesus focus is on the Jewish nation. Using His parable, she accepts that the Jews are children, and at best she can be a little dog, a house pet, as harsh as that sounds. But she reasons that even pets are allowed to eat the crumbs that fall from the children’s table. While we wouldn’t take food away from our child to feed the dog, we don’t stop the dog from eating crumbs that are dropped. The woman’s logic is consistent with the metaphor Jesus used. She’s not outwitting Jesus, she’s simply following along with His metaphor.
What this also shows is the greatness of her faith. Casting out an oppressive demon is no small feat. In fact, no one can do it! And yet, her belief is that for Jesus, this is nothing! This is a mere crumb. Casting the demon out of her daughter wouldn’t take away from His ability to feed the lost sheep of Israel. This is not only a humble acceptance of Jesus’ words, this is an impressive statement of faith! Charles Spurgeon put it this way:
The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, Vol. XXII The Little Dogs (No. 1,309)
If a man give a crumb to a dog he has a little the less, but if Jesus gives mercy to the greatest of sinners he has none the less, he is just as rich in condescension and mercy and power to forgive as he was before. The woman’s argument was most potent. She was as wise as she was earnest, and best of all, she believed most marvellously.
God wants us to reason with Him and His word.
18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Isn’t it amazing that the Son of God is not only willing to feed the children, but is also willing to reason with the little dogs?
V. Faith’s Reward
V. Faith’s Reward
Jesus responds with an exuberant commendation. “O Woman, great is your faith!” Some believe Jesus was surprised by the woman. Others believe He was impressed by her quick wit. I think Jesus knew the faith she could have, tested her, and was joyous when she proved to be the faithful woman He knew she could be. Her faith had held - she had shown persistence in trial, humility and reverence, and a faith-based reason. It brought Jesus great joy to see such great faith, and He uttered a commendation.
This is only the second time Jesus has extolled such faith. The first was a roman centurion. As amazing as that was, how much more is this? The centurion was a man of power and authority, and a man who had already proven to love God’s people. Even the Jews respected him and commended him to Jesus. But what about this woman? She was potentially the last person to receive commendation from a Jew, and yet she too possessed a great faith!
Ultimately, her faith was rewarded. Jesus granted her request, and with a few brief words, the demon was defeated and left the woman’s daughter.
When the woman came home, surely she ran to her daughter’s room, and there she found the demon gone and her daughter lying on the bed. And there we see a beautiful picture - the picture of peace and rest that is the result of the Lord’s mercy. If we have a faith like this woman’s, we too can enjoy the peace and rest that only Jesus offers.
The Lord may test our faith. Sometimes it may seem that He does not hear our prayers or see our struggles. Sometimes it may take longer than we like for prayers to be answered, burdens to be lifted, or help to appear. But keep pressing on. Persist in your faithful service, and continue to trust in the Lord. Worship and revere Him no matter your lot. Trust in His Word, and use it for guidance. With such a faith, know that you too will one day enjoy the peace and rest the Lord promises to those who follow Him.
VI. Conclusion
VI. Conclusion
What first looks like a strange scene of cold indifference and outright rudeness from the Lord, turns out to be a merciful and compassionate act, as well as an educational one. I believe the Lord planned on healing the woman’s daughter all along. I believe He was ready and willing to perform such a thing for a faithful woman, even if she was a gentile. But just as Jesus tested the faith of the religious leaders, the Jewish crowds that followed Him, and even His own disciples, He also tested this woman. In the end, He answered her petition, and the healing touch of the Lord brought peace to her home. In this act, Jesus’ actions once more pointed towards a day when the Lord’s house would no longer be full of children and little dogs, but when all people, Jew and Gentile alike, would be freely welcome to feast at the father’s table as His children.
25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Gal. 3:
You too can be one of God’s children. There is nothing you’ve done that can’t be forgiven. There is no one who is too lost, no one who can’t be washed by the blood of the lamb. If you would like to become a child of God, you can do so today. If you are seeking the help of the Lord, He offers it today. He has paid the price for your sins, it’s simply up to you to respond in faith. If you believe, it’s up to you to repent, confess His name, and be baptized for the remission of your sins. When you do, you will put on Christ, and you will be made one of Abraham’s offspring of faith - a child of God.