A Faith That Wins

August 3, 2014

Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30

In Matthew 14 we learn about Peter’s “little faith” (14:31). In Matthew 15 we find a Gentile woman with “great faith” (15:28). Only two people in the Bible are said to have “great faith” —A Gentile centurion with a dying servant (8:10). And this Gentile mother with a daughter vexed by a devil. She has a winning faith even with “three-strikes” against it.

1. Her sex—Culturally inappropriate for a woman to approach a man.

2. Her social status—A Gentile, an outcast, and “a stranger from the covenants of promise” (Eph. 2:12).

3. Her sect—A Canaanite under the curse of God—“Cursed be Canaan.”

She was knocking at a closed door. Yet, in spite of the obstacles, her faith won the victory! Notice five things about a winning faith:

I. It was a PERCEPTIVE faith (v. 22).

A. She came to the RIGHT PERSON.

1. Mark 7:25—she “heard of him…” Great faith begins by hearing God’s Word (Rom. 10:17).2. Her faith recognized who Jesus was. She addressed Jesus, “O Lord, Thou Son of David” (v. 22). Recognized Jesus as (1) “Lord,” (“Master”); and (2) the “Son of David” — Jewish Messianic title (Mt. 22:42). Great faith coming from a Gentile!
She came with the RIGHT APPROACH—“Have mercy on me.” 1. She could only approach Christ on the basis of mercy. She cast herself upon the mercies of God!
•“God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God” (Rom. 12:1).Daniel based his prayer on God’s mercy— “O my God, incline thine ear, and hear… for we do not present our sup- plications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies” (Dan. 9:18).

II. It was a PASSIONATE faith (v. 22 cf. James 5:16).

A. It was VOCALIZED. Can you hear her passion—“…CRIED unto him…” (v. 22). “…she CRIETH after us” (v. 23). No doubt she had tears in her eyes as she “cried unto him.” She prayed fervently and in great earnest.