Today’s Reading: Matthew 15:21-39, 16:1-4
SHE BEGGED FOR MORE.
Next we see a direct contrast between what was in the heart of the Jewish leaders and what was in the heart of one Gentile woman. This woman’s daughter was possessed by a demon who was tormenting the daughter severely. Take a minute to try and comprehend the magnitude of her grief. The daughter who used to crawl into her lap, run her fingers through her hair, and give her sweet kisses was gone. She was now daily tormented mentally, emotionally and physically. The level of suffering this mother and daughter were both experiencing is indescribable.
With the intense love of a mother, this woman continued to beg Jesus to heal her daughter, even to the point that the disciples begged him to make her go away. The Jewish people, including the disciples, did not want to share Jesus with the Gentiles, whom they considered beneath them. Jesus, knowing the sinful prejudice in their hearts, had this conversation for their benefit:
Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep – the people of Israel.”
But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”
Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”
She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their master’s table.”
“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. – Matthew 15:24-28
JESUS GAVE MORE.
While the Jewish leaders were demanding miraculous signs and explanations (Matthew 16:1-4), this Gentile woman was worshiping Jesus (v. 25) and BOLDY YET HUMBLY BEGGING for a miracle. She received what she wanted because she came to Jesus with words that revealed her heart — a heart that believed Jesus could give her the one thing she wanted more than anything else. She asked for Jesus to give her back the daughter she loved.
This woman was not the only Gentile to display faith. Many brought their lame, blind, crippled, mute and sick to Jesus to be healed. They were amazed when Jesus healed them — amazed that he could but also amazed that he would. Jesus showed that he had a heart of compassion for all people — Jews and Gentiles, men and women. He had come to bring salvation to all.
Word spread fast among the people of how wonderful Jesus was. For three days they stayed near Jesus in anticipation of what he was about to do. Jesus had compassion and fed 4,000 men, along with the women and children, with only seven loaves and a few small fish. The people in that region displayed a heart of faith and experienced the miracle of satisfaction.
So where do I sit on this continuum between those who try to serve a Jesus-on-demand and those whose life reveals a heart of faith? Have I ever demanded a miracle from God or demanded an explanation for something He has allowed in my life? Or am I in the habit of simply inviting the God of miracles to come and do something supernatural among us? Am I begging God for MORE with a humble yet passionate spirit while worshipping Him as my Lord and Savior?
A few years ago, I had a friend reveal to me what she and her husband were praying for. The magnitude of the miracle she was requesting from God was bigger than anything I have ever prayed. I found myself humbly asking God for that kind of faith — a faith that would dare to pray BIG! I want to believe that God is capable of giving me anything I could ask for while also trusting Him no matter how He answers.
Lord, give me a heart of faith that is evidenced by both the life I live and the words I speak. Even more, may my faith be evidenced in the prayers I lift up to you. I pray that you are pleased with the heart of my worship. Thank you for giving your life on a cross for our salvation. I kneel before you today with my heart wide open so that you can reveal in my anything that needs to be changed, and so that you can place in me the desires of your heart. Lord, I pray this morning for those who are grieving a loss or in desperate need of a miracle. May our voices unite as we humbly beg for your healing touch on those we care deeply for. We love you, Lord. Amen.