The Greatest Storyteller, Part 5

Theme:  The Great Storyteller and the Great Faith of a Canaanite Woman

 

Scripture:  Matthew 15:21–39

 

Observation:  To end our week in the theme of the Great Storyteller.  We see Jesus again using parables and analogies to teach the people.  But not only do we see a Great Storyteller, we see a Great Healer.  In these verses there are three sections:

 

1.       The Faith of a Canaanite Woman vs. 21-28

2.     Jesus Heals Many vs. 29-31

3.     Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand vs. 32-39

 

I see in these passages a couple of thoughts.  First, the woman in these verses was persistent.  She “went after them crying” (vs. 23).  What was her plea or her request?  “Lord, help me.” (vs. 25).  What was Yeshua’s answer?  “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” (vs. 28)

 

She sought Jesus for help and He gave her her desires.  I don’t know what you are crying out after the Lord for right now.  Maybe it is healing like this woman.  Maybe it is healing for a friend or a family member.  Maybe it is a strained relationship that needs healing.  Perhaps it relates to one of your children or your spouse.  This woman sought healing and mercy in Yeshua and found what she was looking for. 

The second passage also speaks toward the great need of healing the people had – the blind, the mute, the lame.  There was not any problem or disease or need that could not be met in Jesus.  He healed them and He met their physical needs for food and in the end the passage says in verse 37, “they were satisfied”.

 

Application:  Let Jesus, Yeshua, surprise you (vs. 31) with what He can do with your situation.  Let Him satisfy you and meet the needs that you have.  And let him stretch your faith and grant you that thing which you desire and seek Him for.  The passage doesn’t say He answered her immediately.  No, she went after Him crying.  The disciples wanted to send her away, but she continued after them.  For how long?  The passage doesn’t say, but eventually Jesus saw in her a great faith (!) and He gave her the desire of her heart – which was to be healed.

 

What are you seeking Him for today?

 

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, You know our hearts.  You know those things that we seek You for.  You see your daughters today crying out after You.  You don’t send us away, but sometimes You do seem silent on the matter.  Let us not give up, but continue to seek You and cry out after You.  This may stretch our faith a bit, but may we never give up hoping and believing and seeking You.  Align our desires with Yours, bring healing into our lives and relationships and let us be like the people on the mountain staying with You and letting You meet each need we have on a day-to-day basis.  Through Christ our Healer and Provider I pray, Amen & Amen.