The Syro-Phoenician Woman (Mark 7:24-30)

Albert Barnes on Matthew 15:22 This woman is called also a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, Mr 7:26. Anciently the whole land, including Tyre and Sidon, was in the possession of the Canaanites, and called Canaan. The Phoenicians were descended from the Canaanites. The country, including Tyre and Sidon, was called Phoenicia, or Syro-Phoenicia. That country was taken by the Greeks under Alexander the Great, and those cities, in the time of Christ, were Greek cities. This woman was therefore a Gentile, living under the Greek government, and probably speaking the Greek language. She was by birth a Syro-Phoenician, born in that country, and descended, therefore, from the ancient Canaanites. All these names might with propriety be given to her.

The Syro-Phoenician Won praise “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” (Matt. 15:28) Compare, Luke 7:9 Contrast, Matt. 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; Mk. 10:5; 16:14)

The Syro-Phoenician Her predicament Young daughter with an unclean spirit “For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet” (Mk. 7:25) “unclean spirit” (7:25) = “demon” (7:26)

The Syro-Phoenician Her approach Humble approach “For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet” (Mk. 7:25) “unclean spirit” (7:25) = “demon” (7:26)

The Syro-Phoenician Her reception At first ignored, “But He answered her not a word…” (Matt. 15:23) Shunned by disciples, “And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, ‘…Send her away, for she cries out after us’” (Matt. 15:23)

The Syro-Phoenician Her reception Denied, “But He answered and said, ‘I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel’” (Matt. 15:24) Followed by her worshipping Jesus (Matt. 15:25) Denied again, “But Jesus said to her, ‘Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs’” (Mk. 7:27)

Questions How many women would have had their feelings hurt by now? How many would have likely turned back away? Why did this woman not turn away?

Questions How many women have this type of faith to bulldoze through self-pride to attain grace from God today (1 Pet. 3:1-6)? The Syro-Phoenician woman serves as a model of humility, submission and faithful perseverance Contrast the modern worldly woman who does not like to be told things about modesty, submission, shamefacedness, dancing, social drinking, etc.

Lessons From the Syro-Phoenician Woman Undying persistence “The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter” (Mk. 7:26) Is there a difference between a Delilah’s pestering and this woman (Judg. 16:16)? Luke 18:1-8 Will we pursue asking Christ when He at first answers us not a word?

Lessons From the Syro-Phoenician Woman Humble Persistence (Jas. 4:6) Matthew 15:23-25, 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." Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!“ Humble persistence will not be derailed but pursues answers The “little dog” became an opportunity rather than an “insult”

1 Peter 5:5-7 What does God resist? Who receives grace? Should the humble expect to receive grace immediately? Does God recognize our burdens?

Lessons From the Syro-Phoenician Woman Faithful Persistence “For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet” (Mk. 7:25) People who have not seen, yet believe enough to find The spirit of what Jesus taught, “Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (Jn. 20:29)

Lessons From the Syro-Phoenician Woman Faithful Persistence “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’” (Matt. 15:22) Knows nature of Jesus Knows Old Testament history Should not discount one having knowledge of Old Testament just because a Gentile

Lessons From the Syro-Phoenician Woman Faithful Persistence Though not received in a very hospitable way, her faith continued on to gain heaven’s blessing “Friendliness” does not trump truth She knew the truth of who Jesus was She knew the truth of her predicament She faithfully pursued the remedy “Faithfulness” reasons from the Lord’s answers Even if they are not pleasant answers Even if the way seems hard

Lessons From the Syro-Phoenician Woman The persistent love and devotion of a mother (Mk. 7:25, 26) Her young daughter Child’s welfare was anchored in the balance of the mother’s faith How often is a child’s spiritual welfare tied to the mother’s faith (2 Tim. 1:5; Acts 16:1)?

Is a One Like This Mother? When she wants to be a member of a church based on convenience rather than soundness When she chooses a church based on friendliness rather than truth Did this woman have a welcoming committee when she came to the Lord? When she departs due to being irritated with gospel preaching

No Demon Will Possess Your Daughter Today But what about the doctrines of demons (1 Tim. 4:1)? Can affect your child’s soul Can affect your child’s decision making The need for regular and scriptural worship Ephesians 5:17 Proverbs 2:1-12