Introduction: Today I want to speak on the topic of Faith in Acton. In our passage, Matthew 15:21-28, we are going to look at what “great” faith looks like. This passage teaches us about a faith that reaches beyond borders, persists through silence, humbles itself, and trusts fully in God’s grace.
As we look at this passage, consider where God may be asking you to put your faith into action. What prayer do you need God to answer?
I. Jesus Withdraws to Tyre and Sidon – Matthew 15:21
“Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.”
In the parallel passage in Mark 7, we read why Jesus went into the regions of Tyre and Sidon. In Mark 7:24 we read,
24 From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden.
Jesus walked away from the delegation of scribes and Pharisees that came from Jerusalem (Matthew 15:1). He wanted some space from them, and so we find Him walking some thirty miles or more into the region of Tyre and Sidon. This was Gentile land.
Our text tells us that Jesus enters a house to find a place of seclusion and rest, but it doesn’t last long. Mark said,
but He could not be hidden.
What a fantastic phrase.
What we read here is that Jesus doesn’t limit Himself to safe spaces or familiar places. He travels into Gentile territory, signifying that His ministry isn’t just for Jews but for all people. This journey represents God’s openness to every person, no matter their background or location.
The sign that hangs in front of the Union Gospel Mission, Spokane is true, Jesus Saves – Jew to Gentile. I like the words of Romans 1:16,
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
As I read Matthew 15:21, my mind came up with the idea that Jesus practiced the Great Commission even before He presented it to His disciples. Jesus went out!
You and I must think about people outside our usual circles. Where have you and I gone that has been outside of our comfort zone? What people around us need to hear the message of Jesus Christ? What would our Tyre and Sidon be?
What are some practical steps you and I can take to share the Gospel with outsiders? How about a simple invitation – Join me this coming Sunday at Church. Come over to my home for dinner. Buy up the opportunities.
Who do you know that needs to experience the love of Christ?
In this verse, Jesus demonstrated that it is possible to step outside of our comfort zones to reach those around us.
II. The Cry of the Canaanite Woman – Matthew 15:22
“And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.'”
In this verse, we have a Canaanite woman, a Gentile, who cries out to Jesus. In Mark 7:26 we read that she was a “Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth.” This meant that she was the offspring of the enemy of Israel.
What was her cry? “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”
This woman recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Despite the cultural and religious divide, she knew and believed that Jesus had the power to heal her daughter. There is not a mother present that wouldn’t do what this woman did. Again, in Mark 7:26 we read, “and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.” Her request was persistent! She was going to do whatever it took to help her child who was suffering and in pain.
This is Faith in Action! And get this, this faith emerged from a most unlikely candidate, a Canaanite woman.
Do you and I have this kind of faith? Do you and I possess a faith that believes that Jesus Christ is the “Son of David”, the Messiah? Do we believe that God can do miracles? And do we live that way every day? Nothing is too hard for God.
III. Jesus’ Initial Silence – Matthew 15:23-24
“But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she cries out after us.’ But He answered and said, ‘I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'”
What if your faith is met by silence? This woman made a heartfelt plea, and it was met with silence. How would that make you feel? You pour out your heart, and it is met with total quietness. No reaction.
No doubt, silence, would feel like rejection, but what if the silence was a deeper test? Would your faith fain, or would you persevere?
Notice in this verse that the disciples wanted Jesus to dismiss her, and to send her away. Some Bible teachers suggest that the disciples were saying to Jesus, “Why don’t you just meet her need and send her away? She is not going to stop.”
This woman’s faith persisted. Faith in Action doesn’t give up!
It has been said that “silence isn’t a denial but a moment for reflection.” This woman was asking for help but was feeling brushed aside. And the words of the disciples would have made me feel that way. What do you do when you feel this way?
Wiersbe writes, “Keep in mind that the Lord responded to this woman as he did, not to destroy her faith, but to develop it.”
When God seems silent, it doesn’t mean He’s not listening; it may mean He’s working in ways we don’t see. God is always at work.
How do you respond when God seems silent? Rather than giving up, use those moments as times to strengthen your trust. Remember, God’s silence can be an invitation to press deeper into faith.
IV. The Woman’s Persistence – Matthew 15:25
“Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!'”
This woman wasn’t going to take “no” for an answer. Her daughter needed help, and she wasn’t going to give up on her – she believed that Jesus had the power to heal her.
This mother’s persistence in coming back to Jesus, bowing down, and worshiping even after silence is inspiring. Her humility and need drove her to keep seeking help.
Do you remember when we looked at Peter walking on water, and he sank, and while he was sinking, he prayed a three-word prayer, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30). Well, this mother also prays a three-word prayer, “Lord, help me!” Our prayers do not always have to be lengthy.
What do we learn here? We learn that faith doesn’t quit!
Charles Spurgeon called this a “handy prayer” that we can use anywhere and anytime, echoing the woman’s simple plea: “Lord, help me.”
Do you keep seeking God’s help even when it seems like He’s silent? Do you give up, or are you like the Canaanite woman, who keeps knocking on the door of heaven? Silent moments can be faith-building seasons that draw us closer to God.
I remember reading an acronym about prayer called PUSH – “Pray Until Something Happens.”
Now, there is a message for all of us today.
V. Jesus’ Response – The Testing of Her Faith – Matthew 15:26
“But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.'”
Faith in Action doesn’t give up even when we hear words that are discouraging. Let’s walk through this verse:
- Who are the children in this verse? Israel, the Jews.
- What is the bread? It is Jesus Christ Himself, the bread of life.
- Who are the “little dogs”? They are the Gentiles.
Now, how do you think you would have responded to being called, a dog? Probably the same way as being called, “garbage.” (A reference to a comment made by President Biden about Trump supporters).
Calling Gentiles “dogs” was a common. Jews would call Gentiles dogs, and when they did, they were thinking of wild dogs that ran through villages scavenging. Notice that Jesus uses the words, “little dogs.” The words here are not speaking about wild dogs, but about a household pet, perhaps a puppy.
When Jesus used the words “little dogs” He was seeking to discover how strong her faith was. The test here is not an insult but a way to reveal the depth of her trust and humility.
Have you ever felt tested in your faith? When things seem challenging or discouraging, remember that God may be building something deeper within you. Trust in God’s purpose, even when His methods are difficult to understand.
VI. The Woman’s Humble Reply – Matthew 15:27
“And she said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.'”
Here again, we see Faith in Action! This woman’s faith doesn’t falter. She continues to trust. This woman’s humility is remarkable. She doesn’t argue but accepts her place, still trusting that God’s grace overflows. She knows that even a “crumb” from Jesus’ table would be sufficient for her needs.
Verse 27 could be paraphrased like this, “It is true that we Gentiles do not sit at the table as children and eat the bread. But even the pet dogs under the table can eat some of the crumbs!”
Faith in Action knows that anything that comes from Jesus is enough, even crumbs.
Are we willing to approach God in humility, asking not out of entitlement but out of reverence and trust? Humble faith recognizes that even the smallest measure of God’s grace is abundant.
In my home church, North Valley Baptist Church we used to sing a refrain of a song called, “Only Believe.” Here are the words,
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe;
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe.
The motto on the NVBC sign was “A Church of Active Faith.”
Accepting “crumbs” from the master’s table shows the size of your faith. I see this as just a simple touch of the hem of his garment.
VII. Jesus’ Response – Faith Rewarded – Matthew 15:28
“Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”
Imagine a teacher who finally hands over the prize after a student has worked diligently. Jesus affirms the woman’s faith, calling it “great,” and answers her request immediately. This miracle shows that God’s grace and power transcend every boundary.
- What was this woman’s desire? To see her daughter healed.
- What did this woman receive? Her daughter was healed that very hour.
We read in Mark 7:30,
30 And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.
This woman’s faith was great because she persisted in asking and trusting when everything seemed against her. Certainly, her race was against her: She was a Gentile. Her sex was against her, for most Jewish rabbis paid little attention to women. It seemed that the disciples were against her, and Christ’s words might have led her to believe that even He was against her. All of these obstacles only made her persist in asking.
Faith in Action presses on, it doesn’t give in. It preserves through everything and anything thrown at you. This woman didn’t give up. I encourage you this morning, don’t give up. Wait another second, minute, hour, day, month, year – your breakthrough is coming. Just don’t give up.
Faith in God is always rewarded, though not always in ways we expect. God honors those who come to Him in faith, humility, and persistence. Consider areas in your life where you might be holding back in faith and remember that God’s grace has no limits.
Conclusion: What are a few take-home truths from this passage of Scripture? Here are four that I would like to pass along to you. They are:
- Faith knows no boundaries: Jesus’ interaction with a Gentile woman reminds us that His grace extends to everyone. Let us not forget this – everyone means everyone.
- Faith persists despite silence: Even when it feels like God is silent, keep seeking. Your breakthrough is coming.
- Faith is humility in action: True faith doesn’t demand; it asks with reverence and trust. PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens.
- God’s grace is abundant: A “crumb” from God is more than enough to meet any need.
I would encourage all of us today to reflect on our faith. Are we persistent, humble, and trusting in God’s grace, even if it feels like we are on the margins?
Let’s pray for a faith that persists, humbles itself, and seeks God’s grace in all circumstances. May we be willing to step out, wait patiently, and trust fully in His overflowing goodness.
God is good – all the time, and all the time – God is good.