GREAT FAITH (2)

“O woman, GREAT is your FAITH! Let it be to you as your desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour” – Matthew 15:28b

GREAT FAITH moves GOD to do Great Things for us: “Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, GREAT is your FAITH! Let it be to you as your desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour” (Mt.15:28). By now, Jesus was turning more to the Gentiles. He had challenged the teachings of the elders which they had elevated to the status of Scripture (Mt.15: 1-14). After this confrontation with the Pharisees, He withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. There, He met an unnamed Canaanite woman.

Yesterday, we examined the Great Faith of the Roman Centurion. Today, we meditate on the Great Faith of another Gentile, the Canaanite woman (see also Mark 7: 24-30). From a distance, she saw, recognized and cried out to Jesus, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed” (v.22). Surprisingly, Jesus didn’t respond to her at all! With a Faith that wouldn’t give up, she kept crying out to Him – to the point that His disciples begged Him to “send her away” (v.23). Jesus finally responded, telling her that His ministry was only to the children – “lost sheep” – of Israel (v.24).

Even this response – His recognition of her – was enough to embolden her to come closer, throw herself at His feet and plead: “Lord, help me!” (v.25). He then said something to her that seemed even more harsh and demeaning: It was not right for Him to give the blessings that belong to the children of Israel to the little dogs that surround them! Refusing to give up, she told Him she believed that He had more than enough Blessings – Mercy, Grace, Love, Power, Help and Healing – for the children of Israel, for her and for her ailing daughter! Even the crumbs would do (v.27). That was GREAT FAITH on display! Jesus saw her Faith, commended her, granted her request and completely healed her daughter “from that very hour” (v.28).

This woman’s Great Faith called Him “Lord”! Her Great Faith caused her to come on behalf of her daughter. Against all odds, even when it appeared that she was being ignored and turned away, she trusted, believed and held on to Jesus! Her tenacious faith kept hanging on to the hope that He would have mercy and help her; and He did! Sometimes it feels like we’re at the end of our rope and just barely hanging on concerning our health, work or family; or like God is distant, unapproachable, and ignoring us. It is at times such as these, against all odds, that God calls us to trust, believe and hope in Jesus – displaying Great Faith!

This woman of Faith and Love cared only about her daughter, not all the politics and division in her world. Her story reminds us of what Faith, Prayer and Love look like when we are faced with real, personal challenges. It brings us back to the basics of what it means to trust in Jesus. This gentile woman’s Faith was great, whereas the disciples of Jesus had little faith (Mt.17:20).

Great Faith usually arises to face a great need. If we don’t need Jesus desperately, then how can we ever have great faith in Him?

Great Faith requires knowing our Need-Fixer. When Peter was caught in a storm, he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink, showing small faith (Mt.14: 30-33). In contrast, when this woman was caught in a different storm, she stayed focused on Jesus, fell to her knees before Him, and prevailed! Great Faith humbly recognizes that we need Jesus. We can’t get it right on our own.

Great Faith has Persistent Trust and Tenacity. It endures the Tests of unanswered prayers, indifference, and humility. Great Faith does not give up, but persists even when there seems to be little reason to do so.

Great Faith relies on God, not on our Worthiness! It turns us to the only One Who died to make us worthy! It’s all about Grace!