Developing Great Faith

N.T.#182 "Developing Great Faith"

Nov. 9, 2023

Matthew 15-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

We are still looking at the event of the Canaanite woman who sought deliverance from a demon for her daughter. Jesus' silence in response to her could have been to draw out the woman's words of faith, as well as point out the hasty prejudice of the disciples. Here was a Gentile speaking to a Jew and a woman speaking to a man. But it did not discourage her to bow down in worship and total surrender, simply asking the Messiah for help. The woman didn't need Jesus to follow her home in order to heal her girl, for she believed He was able to do it long distance. she found out Jesus was willing, too. She did not she need a sign, either. That hour the girl was healed.

What can we learn for this?

• Christ loves to be cried after. Do we seek Him for healing, direction, wisdom, and love?
• His answer to the disciples desiring to send her away dashed her expectations. 
• She only desired crumbs like a dog at the Master's mercy table. The woman received grace from a gracious Lord. We Gentiles find it, too, through faith in Jesus as Savior.
• Christ delights in great faith with great trials. The mother didn't consider it to have been better to stay home than be called a dog. She worshiped Jesus as the Savior and Messiah anyway.
• Pray more earnestly. A broken heart is not despised. (Jeremiah 31:18)

How sincerely do we seek Jesus? Do we desperately pray for our loved ones to be delivered from evil?So many people are addicted to drugs, alcohol, porn. They live in the flesh and fulfill the desires of the flesh, not considering the sinful state of their soul. Do we show compassion for the person? 

LET IT GROW

This woman's great faith is included in the Bible. Jesus described it as such. Her faith resulted in humility, patience, and perseverance in prayer. Does ours? 

Great faith:

• may vary in size with Christians.
• continues to love and trust the All-Sufficient Savior as a friend, not an enemy.
• Great faith pleases Christ Jesus.
• Great believers my have what they will for the asking.
• Though Satan sifted Peter, buffeted Paul, through Christ's prayer and sufficiency of His grace, we shall be more than conquerors. (Luke 22:31-32)
• This mother's faith prevailed for a daughter's cure.
• Jesus spoke and it was done. (Matthew Henry)

Does our faith not let go until Jesus has answered our request? Is our faith developing into great faith? What is in our heart? Are we seeking to honor the Savior?

LET IT GO 

Develop within us great faith.

To God be the glory forever and ever.

*Sorry for the delay of posts. We have moved and I am still searching for items in my office.