1. A Woman with Great Faith Matthew 15:21-28

2. Came to save sinners, Lk 19:10; 1 Tim 4:10 Came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, Matt 15:24 (Jno 10:15-16) – Promises to fulfill, Gen 12:3; 2 Sam 7:12-13 – Judgments to be exacted, Malachi 4:5-6 – New covenant to be put into force, Jeremiah 31:31-33 2 Great Faith

3. The power of faith Savior’s willingness to save all who come to Him in faith (Mark 7:24-30) 3 Great Faith

4. THE GENTILE WOMAN Matthew 15:21-28 4

5. “She was not one of God’s chosen people, but a Gentile by birth, and, apparently, by religion. She was a Canaanite, too, living in Phoenicia; she was descended from the ancient enemies of Israel. She had no claim either of kindred or religion.” (Pulpit Comm.) Matthew 15:22; Mark 7:26 5 Great Faith

6. Daughter severely demon-possessed; mother deeply distressed Jesus’ fame had gone into Syria She searched for Him for healing relief Matthew 15:22 (Zech 13:1-2; Matt 12:28-29) 6 Great Faith

7. Faith to come to Jesus – No fear, Heb 13:6 – Hesitation, delays and worries about obeying the Lord keep us lost in sin! Acts 16:33; 24:25 Fear is a lack of faith Doubt that leads to death 7 Great Faith

8. Faith to ask Jesus for help, 15:22 – Sought mercy for her daughter – Confessed Jesus’ power: “Lord”: Jesus is the Master “Son of David”: Ruler and Messiah – Sinner must admit his/her need Search for God, Acts 17:27-28 Ask, seek, find, Matt 7:7-8 (Heb 4:14-16) 8 Great Faith

9. Faith to listen to Jesus, 15:23-26 – She had a heart to hear, Matt 13:9 We often want to tell Jesus how it is! – How to be saved; How to worship; the church, morality… – Must have open hearts to the truth of the gospel, Matt 13:19 9 Great Faith

10. Faith to persist and not leave, 15:23-25 – Even when Jesus at first said nothing – Even when His disciples urged Jesus to send her away – She still came and worshiped Him, 15:25 (Jno 6:68) – Great humility, 15:26-27 (Luke 15:17-19) – Faith to go home, Mk 7:29-30 10 Great Faith

11. THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS Matthew 15:21-28 11

12. Seemed anxious to protect their distinction and separation – Woman, Gentile (unclean), sinner – Sensitive of contact with the “unclean” (Acts 10:14, 28) – Jesus practiced the removal of ceremonial defilements, 15:17-20 Applies to people, too! Acts 10:28 Gospel is for all 12 Great Faith

13. We are to be separate from sin and error, 2 Cor 6:17-18; Eph 5:11 – While doing so we must keep the right attitudes toward the lost, the erring, the weak and suffering, Gal 6:1-2; 1 Ths 5:14-15 – Do not develop self-righteousness and thereby fail to see faith when others are seeking truth and Jesus 13 Great Faith

14. Protecting “quiet time”, Mk 7:24-25 Perhaps because they knew she was not “one of them” We cannot be dismissive of people because they do not fall into our mold of respectability, James 2:1-4 Jesus came to save these, too! Luke 19:10 14 Great Faith

15. JESUS Matthew 15:21-28 (11:28-30) 15

16. Hears and responds to our cries for mercy, Heb 2:16-18; 4:14-16 Delay is not denial, but an opportunity to show our faith, 15:23; Jas 1:2-4 (Psa 13) Explained His purpose, 15:24, 26 Blessed the woman for her “great” faith, 15:28; Mk 7:30 – Healed that very hour – The sinner, Acts 2:41; 16:33; 22:16 16 Great Faith