The faith of a genuine seeker

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | May 21, 2023 | Matthew 15:21-28

KEY VERSE:

Then Jesus said to her, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:28 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

This little story is essentially built around the conversation between a Canaanite woman and Jesus. We begin with the note that Jesus withdrew far up the coast to the region of Tyre and Sidon. One would have to say that He was not simply trying to get away from difficult events in Israel, and neither was this a chance meeting. The Lord was going to this Canaanite area, to this Canaanite woman. The conversation gives the impression that Jesus was not willing to answer her request because she was a Canaanite. What is clear is that the woman was not going to give up, but kept pleading, even from her Canaanite background, so that Jesus Christ recognized her great faith. The contrast is truly striking: in Israel, Jesus was trying to convince people that He was the Messiah and was being challenged to prove it with a sign. But here in Gentile territory, He met a woman who was convinced that He was the Messiah and He could not discourage her efforts. His apparent attempt to put her off was therefore a test, and her great faith amazed the Lord. This woman was a genuine seeker and demonstrated great faith that overcame obstacles, faith that overpowered rejections and faith that obtained the favour of the Lord.

This woman faced many obstacles and rejections, but she overcame them all and received her miracle. She was a woman, she was a foreigner, she was gentile - she had no right to approach Jesus. She was a Canaanite – a descendant of Israel’s enemies. How did she overcome the obstacles in her life and the needs of her child? 1. She recognized who Jesus was – “Jesus, Son of David”. Without looking for any sign, she readily accepted Jesus as the Messiah. 2. She saw the obstacles in front of her as nothing more than opportunities to press on to Jesus.

FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE:

What are some of the things that serve as obstacles to your trusting the Lord and holding on to your faith? Who is Jesus to you? What is your problem? Do you feel rejected? Don’t be angry and don’t be discouraged. Acknowledge Jesus as your Saviour and come to Him with genuine faith. Know that God can use the obstacles and rejections as opportunities to grow your faith in Him. Three times she called Him “Lord” (vs. 22; 25; 27), and one time “Son of David” (vs. 22). Don’t give up on your dreams, and you will finally receive favour no matter the obstacles or the rejections that may come your way. Genuine faith will always overcome obstacles, overpower rejections, and obtain favour from the Lord.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, I thank you that you came and died for me. I come to you today and ask that you grant me the grace to believe in you. Have mercy on me and grant me the faith that overcomes obstacles and rejections to obtain your favour. Help me to know you as you really are and see my problems as your opportunities to grow my faith in you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!