A Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” (Matthew 15)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. She is crying out for help. She addresses Jesus as Lord. Son of David. This is huge. Calling Jesus Lord, means that Jesus is God. Jesus is in charge. What Jesus says goes. The “Son of David” is a title of royalty. Jesus is the long awaited King to sit on David’s throne. The Kingdom that will have no end. Why is she crying out? On behalf of her daughter. Her request is not about her but her child. What does she ask for? Mercy.
Mercy. Give me what I do not deserve. We cry out right along with her. In the Kyrie. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.
The Disciples hear this woman crying out. They tell Jesus to send her away. She is bothering us. Get rid of this woman.
Jesus’ answer does not look merciful. His answer is about the lost sheep of Israel. She is not an Israelite. Nor are we. Seems like her family line would stand in the way of her request. Jesus’ next answer seems to be offensive . “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” (Matthew 15)
This would look to be the end of the request. Maybe even an argument. But no, not with this Canaanite woman. She is holding on to Jesus her Lord. She is holding on to Jesus like a bull dog. She will not let go of Jesus her King. Holding on to God’s promises.
She says yes —amen, to being called a dog. “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15)
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm
51.
Humility —humble. For sinners like us. In the presence of our Lord and our King. God’s Word brings humility to sinners —filled with repentance. Lord Jesus answered. “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” (Matthew 15)
Great faith —Hold on to King Jesus. Lord Jesus is God’s mercy for you. God gives you what you do not deserve. King Jesus is crucified for you. Crowned with thorns, nails in hands and feet —all for you. Jesus is the Crucified and Risen Lord who brings life eternal.
Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy… Jesus himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2)
Great faith —holds on to Jesus. Our Lord who gives mercy. His steadfast love endures forever. In Name + of Jesus. Amen.
- Pastor Berndt
423 Jesus, Refuge of the Weary (vs. 2)
Do we pass that cross unheeding, Breathing no repentant vow,
Though we see You wounded, bleeding, See Your thorn-encircled brow?
Yet Your sinless death has brought us Life eternal, peace, and rest;
Only what Your grace has taught us Calms the sinner’s deep distress.