Series: Interruptible
Today’s topic: Even the Dogs
BREAK THE ICE:
Have you ever considered that Jesus could be offensive?
How about Jesus, in our minds, being insensitive?
Transition: Today we continue in our series “Interruptible” and we will look at another active faith story.
Read Matthew 15:21-22
What’s the story and need here in this passage?
How does she address Jesus?
How does v 23 say Jesus responded?
How does that strike you?
- Strike One: Jesus is Silent
Truth – It bothers us when God is Silent!
Read vv. 24
What was Jesus’ reply to his disciples?
- Strike Two: Jesus is Exclusive
Doesn’t Jesus owe something to this woman?
Read v. 25
How did the woman respond to this exclusion?
Read v. 26 for Jesus’s response of her humility
- Strike Three: Jesus Insults
Doesn’t this look insensitive, condescending and marginalization?
Truth – She is there not to put Jesus on trial, she is being put to the
test by Jesus. A Theme here is – How do I respond to Christ in trials and troubles?
Summation: So on the surface it looks like Jesus is silent, exclusive,
and insulting. But Jesus is not on trial, He is drawing out this woman’s
faith and how she responds to Him!
Read v. 27
What does the woman’s response to Jesus communicate to you?
Does the woman finally get her request from verse 22,
“Have Mercy on me, Lord, Son of David, my daughter is severely
tormented by a demon”
Read v. 28
What is Jesus’ declaration?
Why was her daughter healed?
Read Jeremiah 17:10
What promise is given in this passage?
Read Psalm 139:23
What is the Psalmist cry in this scripture?
What does or can God do by deduction of this verse?
A corollary passage to further teach about faith
Read Matthew 15:1-2
What are the religious leaders focused on?
Read v. 3
Where is Jesus’ focus placed?
Summation is: We have two viewpoints contrasted
- The commands of God vs 2. The traditions of man (the elders)
Personal application – What is more important to follow God or people?
Read vv. 10-14
What truly defiles a person, according to Jesus in v. 11?
How did the religious leaders (Pharisees) respond to Jesus in v. 12?
Read vv. 13-14
What three truths did Jesus share with his disciples about the Pharisees?
1.
2.
3.
BRING IT HOME:
Truth – When we are put to the test by God, we have two response possibilities:
Read James 1:2-3
How do you interpret this scripture?
Read 1 Peter 1:7
What is the proof of one’s faith?
We have two choices when tested through trials and circumstances of life
- Responding through faith (like the Syro-Phonecian woman)
- Responding through offense, (like the Pharisees)
Read 1 Peter 4:12-13
What does this verse say about trials?
Summation of lesson:
God is much bigger than we think, and we are much smaller than we think!
God doesn’t owe us anything, but he offers us everything!
What was your one compelling take-a-way today?
Your homework assignment:
What is God’s spirit highlighting for you today?
Give time this week and address that growth edge.
Let’s Pray