By the mercy and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, I got an opportunity to deliver a sermon before a small congregation, we were gathered together in brother Jacob’s house. The Lenten evening house prayer meet started at 5 ~ 5:30 pm (IST) on 23 March 2025. The sermon begins.
Trieka Daivathinu mahatam indarikette! ✝ Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Now and at all times, forever. Amen.
During this Lenten season, we have gathered together this evening in the fellowship of Christ, and we are truly blessed, aren’t we? It’s a wonderful time to reflect, connect, and grow in our faith as a community.
As we approach mid-Lent, let us meditate and embrace the love of our Lord Jesus Christ by reflecting on today’s passage from Matthew 15: 21-31— A prayer of the Canaanite women, a remarkable story of a gentile women having great faith.
In Matthew 15:21-31, a Canaanite woman demonstrates great faith by persistently pleading with Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial resistance, her humility and unwavering faith moved Jesus Christ, our God to grant her request, healing her daughter instantly. Later, Lord Jesus heals many people near the Sea of Galilee, including the lame, blind, and mute, leading the crowd to glorify the God of Israel.
How is Faith defined in the Holy Bible? Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen; NKJV)
THE INTRODUCTION:
Before we dive straight into the passage, let’s take a moment to understand the writer and the subject at hand.
The Writer: St. Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to St. Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and a former tax collector. Written primarily for a Jewish audience, Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies and presents Him as the Messiah and King. The Gospel is structured around key teachings and events in Jesus’ life, highlighting His authority and the establishment of God’s Kingdom.
Our church fathers have chosen this passage from Matthew for this Sunday. Let’s pause for a moment to consider these important details on – who St. Matthew is and the significance of his Gospel. St. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus’ apostles. In first-century Judea, tax collectors were often seen as educated individuals responsible for managing financial records and interacting with Roman authorities. This role required a certain level of literacy and numeracy skills. But being a Jew and a tax collector in first-century Judea meant facing significant social stigma. Tax collectors were often despised, often looked down upon and excluded, as they were commonly regarded as sinners or traitors.
Highlights of Matthew’s Gospel, it is the first book of the New Testament and one of the three Synoptic Gospels. Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus Christ as the Messiah and King of the Jews, focusing on His fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies while presenting a structured narrative that connects Jesus with Jewish traditions—making it particularly appealing to a Jewish audience.
Let me remind you that both MATTHEW and MARK are synoptic gospels, sharing many similarities in content. However, each writer brings a unique perspective and distinct characteristics to their respective Gospel, reflecting their individual identities and purposes. The story of a Canaanite woman is found in Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30. Matthew records Christ’s concerning the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Portraying himself as the loving selfless shepherd; Psalms 23) and Matthew also records the woman using the title – Son of David, a Jewish term for Messiah, while gospel of Mark doesn’t in both the cases.
The Subject: The Canaanite Woman
Israelites believed that Canaanites were sinful immoral people and always distanced themselves from them. The relationship between the Israelites and the Canaanites is a significant aspect of biblical history, reflecting deep-rooted tensions that shaped the identity and beliefs of the Israelite people. As they entered the Promised Land, the Israelites encountered the Canaanites, who were viewed not only as inhabitants of the land but also as adversaries to their faith and way of life. This complex dynamic was influenced by divine commands, cultural conflicts, and theological concerns, leading to a perception of the Canaanites that would have lasting implications for both groups.
Canaanite women are mentioned in several key biblical narratives:
- Warnings Against Intermarriage:
In Deuteronomy 7:3-4, God warned the Israelites against intermarrying with Canaanites to avoid being led into idolatry. This reflects the cultural and religious tensions between Israelites and Canaanites.
- The Canaanite Woman in the New Testament:
The story of a Canaanite woman is found in Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30. She approached Jesus, pleading for her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial resistance, her persistent faith led Jesus to heal her daughter, commending her for her “great faith” (Matthew 15:28).
- Rahab of Jericho:
Rahab, a Canaanite woman, is highlighted in the Old Testament for her faith and courage. She protected Israelite spies in Jericho and acknowledged the sovereignty of the God of Israel (Joshua 2:9-11). Her faith led to her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).
These narratives emphasize themes of faith, humility, and the breaking of cultural barriers, showcasing how individuals like Rahab and the Canaanite woman transcended societal prejudices through their unprecedented faith in God. In summary, The Israelites regarded the Canaanites with animosity due to a divine mandate to conquer the Promised Land, fearing that the Canaanites’ idolatrous practices would compromise their covenant with God. This perception was further reinforced by historical conflicts, cultural differences, and theological concerns, shaping the Israelites’ identity as God’s chosen people.
Yet all being said, It is a striking coincidence that in the Old Testament, the Israeli spies were saved by the faith of Rahab, a Canaanite woman, while in the New Testament, another life is rescued through the faith of a Canaanite woman who sought healing for her daughter. These parallel highlights the transformative power of faith that transcends cultural boundaries and historical contexts.
THE MESSAGE:
In Matthew 15:21-31, the passage unfolds as our God Jesus Christ withdraws to the region of Tyre and Sidon, an area predominantly inhabited by Gentiles.
Lord Jesus Christ had left Galilee, seeking a respite from the constant demands of His ministry. Tyre and Sidon represent not just geographical locations but also cultural and spiritual territories that were often viewed with disdain by the Jews. Here, Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman who approaches Him with desperation, pleading for mercy for her demon-possessed daughter. Her status as a Gentile and her identity as a Canaanite—a group historically at odds with Israel—set the stage for a remarkable demonstration of faith.
The great Faith
As we read through the passage – Initially, lord Jesus Christ does not respond to her cries, which may seem harsh. However, this silence serves a purpose; it tests her resolve and faith. The disciples urge Jesus to send her away, but she persists, kneeling before Him and acknowledging His lordship. Her response to Jesus’ remark about not taking the children’s bread to feed the dogs is striking: “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
This statement reveals her humility and deep understanding of Jesus’ power. She recognizes that even a small portion of His grace is sufficient for her need. In response, Jesus commends her faith, declaring, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” Her daughter is healed instantly. Several of the Fathers see the disciples’ request to send her away as an attempt to persuade Lord Jesus to heal the daughter, as if to say, – “Give her what she wants so that she will leave.” Christ’s response indicates this interpretation is correct, for He again refuses to heal the daughter. It’s like God has a plan, He knows everything. Gladly we can profess that God’s plan is to prosper, it is rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing that God’s desire for His people is holistic well-being—spiritually, emotionally, and materially. Jeremiah 29:11 affirm this, where God declares, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” However, biblical prosperity is not merely about material wealth but about aligning with God’s will, finding contentment in Him, and receiving His blessings as a result of faith and obedience.
The Lesson
1. God’s Grace in a Christ-Centred Life: The grace of Lord Jesus Christ is too deep to be measured. It reaches beyond societal divisions, responds to persistent faith, and brings restoration to all who come to Him. Whether through crumbs of mercy or abundant healing, His grace is sufficient for every need—a truth that continues to inspire awe and gratitude. He has deep compassion for human suffering. This passage illustrates that Jesus’ mission extends beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries. The healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter underscores that God’s grace is available to all who seek Him in faith, regardless of their background. As Ephesians 2:8-9 explains that salvation comes through grace by faith, not by works. Faith in Christ and living a Christ-centred life are essential. Psalm 127:1-2 says –“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves” (Please refer Psalm 127:1-2).
2. Persistence in Prayer: The woman’s unwavering faith serves as an encouragement for us to persist in our prayers, even when faced with silence or apparent rejection. Her example teaches us that true faith is tenacious and humble. Matthew 21:22 promises that “whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” NKJV)
3. The Power of Faith: The narrative emphasizes that faith can transcend barriers and bring about miraculous change. It invites us to consider our own faith and how it manifests in our lives. 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds believers to “walk by faith, not by sight”
As we reflect on Matthew 15:21-31, let us remember that Jesus welcomes all who come to Him in faith. May we be inspired by the Canaanite woman’s example to approach Him boldly and persistently, trusting in His grace to meet our needs and those of others around us.
Exploring the Role of Faith in Christianity
Is faith alone sufficient for Christian living? While faith remains the cornerstone, practices like prayer, adherence to sacred laws, and participation in traditions and rituals hold vital importance.
I want to present my view with a joke-
Once a man was eager to board the bus. His waiting impatiently for the bus and was frustrated as it was running late. He furiously turned to the ticket checker and asked, “What’s the point of having a schedule if the bus is late?” The ticket checker instantly replied, “Well, without a schedule, how would you even know the bus is late?”
As it says in Romans 7:7 – “[7] What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”
The laws and practices keep us in check, determining the right and wrong. It enriches one’s spiritual journey and foster community. As it goes- “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Lord Jesus spoke this in Mark 2:27. This statement was made in response to accusations by the Pharisees that Jesus’ disciples were breaking Sabbath laws by plucking grain. It underscores the principle that the Sabbath is intended as a gift and blessing for humanity, not as a burdensome obligation, and highlights Jesus’ authority as “Lord of the Sabbath”) In Galatians, Paul emphasizes the supremacy of Christ over the law, highlighting that faith in Him brings salvation and freedom from legalistic constraints. Thus, while faith is paramount, the integration of these elements enhances a believer’s relationship with God and their community. In a Christian life, while law, traditions, and practices hold significant importance, faith and love for Christ our Savior take precedence above all else. These elements work together to deepen our relationship with God, but it is our faith and love that truly define our spiritual journey.
As Romans 5:1-11 emphasizes how tribulations serve to glorify God by fostering spiritual growth and deepening faith. The Apostle Paul writes, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans 5:3-4 KJV). This passage highlights a transformative process where suffering produces perseverance, which leads to character and ultimately hope.
The hope derived from enduring tribulations is anchored in God’s love, poured into believers’ hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). This progression glorifies God as it reflects His sustaining grace and the believer’s trust in His redemptive purposes, even in hardship.
SONG: I’ve decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus (x3)
No turning back, no turning back
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow (x3)
No turning back, no turning back
The world behind me, the cross before me (x3)
No turning back, no turning back
Will you decide now to follow Jesus? (x3)
No turning back (x4)
About 150 years ago or so, during a revival in Wales, missionaries travelled to northeast India, including the region of Assam, to spread the Gospel among aggressive tribes like the Garos. One missionary converted a man named Nokseng, along with his family. When the village chief demanded they renounce their faith or face execution, Nokseng responded by saying: “I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back.” Despite losing his children and wife, he continued: “Though no one joins me, still I will follow.” Finally, before his own death, he said: “The cross before me, the world behind me.” His unwavering faith moved the chief and the entire village to embrace Christianity. This hymn remains a powerful testament to faith and sacrifice.
I want to conclude by quoting St. Augustine: “Faith is to believe what you do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” St. Augustine, one of the most influential Church Fathers and theologians in Christian history, beautifully captures the essence of faith as trust in the unseen, leading to the ultimate fulfilment of that belief.
~J GEORGE THOMAS (ART)
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