Message from Scripture: 12/17/2020

 

Our message from Scripture today is Matt. 15:28; “Then Jesus said to her, ‘O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed at once.’”

If you are familiar with the context of our Scripture, you know how it seemed Jesus was being rude to her initially, trying to discourage her from bothering Him and His disciples. In reality, He knew how strong her faith was. It was His disciples who needed to learn a great lesson about faith from this woman who not an Israelite. What lessons can we learn from her pleas to the Lord for help?

One thing we learn is that, no matter what Jesus or His disciples said to her, she refused to give up her focus on Christ, as He alone could offer her the answer she needed for her little girl to be healed. There are many things we encounter in life that can distract us, divert our attention, and keep us from pursuing what is really important. By focusing our attention on Jesus, we find what really is important, and the help we need for all of life. As the Hebrew writer reminds, we must keep our eyes focused on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

Another thing we learn is, no matter how difficult the going gets, we shouldn’t give up on our faith. Jesus used the term “dog” to describe her in comparison to the Jews, but she didn’t leave or deny her faith in Him. She reminded him even dogs have needs too. Faith enables us to endure, to bear with rejection and adversity, to trust in Him who has been our strength in times past, and will continue to be throughout our lives. Even the prophets of old endured difficulties in serving God. So did the apostles. So will we, as Paul said, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). We must remember the goal is worth it all.

Only an active, growing faith can make life really worth living, and only a life of faith makes a difference in the end, which is what makes faith great. Have a great day today. God bless.

Robert