Read Matthew 15:21-28
This morning we continue our series entitled, “The Year of Supernatural Manifestation”, with our mini-series on “The Miracles of Jesus”. Yesterday I introduced you to the Syro–Phoenician woman and her daughter. The girl was demon possessed and the demons were causing tremendous torment inside of her. The girl’s mother heard about Jesus, the Jewish miracle-worker. She came to Jesus, believing God for a breakthrough for few daughter.
When the woman addressed Jesus, both He and His disciples ignored her. Jesus was focused on His mission; He was sent to minister to the children of Israel. Jesus’ disciples wanted Him to sent the woman away. When Jesus finally addressed her, He said, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” But this woman was undeterred. She bowed down before Jesus. She worshipped at His feet. In her position of worship she said, “Lord, help me!” Jesus answered her again and said, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and give it to the dogs.”
The Jews commonly referred to Gentiles as dogs, but no matter how common this reference was, it could clearly be insulting. While I can’t claim to totally understand the culture of the time, I find it hard to believe that anyone could hear those words and not feel a bit of sting. If it were today, I could easily picture a woman asking, “Did he just call me a dog?” Followed by some choice words! But remarkably, this woman was unphased. She was so focused on getting a breakthrough for her daughter that she could not afford to be offended. Her amazing response was, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” In other words, she was saying, “Mr. Jesus, I understand that Your ministry is focused on the Jews. I understand that You came with a purpose. I understand that the bulk of your anointing is Jewish-centered. But I also understand that I am just asking for one touch. I acknowledge that if you give me one ounce of the blessing that you are offering to the Jews, my daughter will be delivered.” Similar to the Centurion, Jesus was moved by the faith of the woman. He said, “Woman, you have great faith! What you want IS granted!” And just like that, her daughter was delivered. Jesus did not even have to go to her home. Like the Roman Centurion, this woman had the faith to take Jesus at His word. She walked away knowing her daughter was free. She did not need to SEE to BELIEVE. She knew that because she had already BELIEVED, she was going to SEE her daughter free when she got home. This is one of only two stories of “great faith”, and both involve non-Jews.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Never underestimate the power of worship.
a) Worship often ushers in God’s presence, power and manifestation. When Jesus initially sent the Syro–Phoenician away, she refused to get discouraged. Instead, she fell down at Jesus’ feet and began to worship. Jesus was quick to dismiss her when she was using just words. But Jesus could not ignore her worship!
b) Worship always ushers us into the presence of God and releases God’s glory over our situation.
c) If you are facing an issue this morning where you believe God is not moving, try spending some time on your knees, worshipping the King of Glory!
d) Worship changes the atmosphere. Worship creates an environment that is conducive to the supernatural.
e) You may be waiting on God to move, while God is waiting on you to create and environment (through worship) that is conducive to Him moving.
f) Worship shifts your attention from your situation to your God. It is in this posture that God is free to move in your life as He sees fit.
2. Never underestimate the power of faith.
a) Jesus was purpose driven. Jesus was on a mission. Jesus was focused on the lost sheep of Israel. The Syro–Phoenician was not a Jew. She was, therefore, not part of Jesus’ assignment. So, Jesus ignored her and attempted to send her away. But what Jesus could not ignore was her faith!
b) Faith is the currency of God’s Kingdom. Faith is how you make an exchange in God’s system. She released her faith and Jesus released God’s power!
c) The Syro–Phoenician woman’s faith interrupted Jesus’ assignment. She had enough faith that Jesus diverted from His primary mission to release God’s power to heal this woman’s daughter.
d) The Syro–Phoenician woman had the faith and Jesus had the power. Her faith tapped into that power and led Jesus to declare deliverance for the little girl. Jesus did not have to go to her home. Jesus did not have to lay hands on her. This woman had the faith to take God at His Word and walk away, without wavering, without a doubt, knowing it was already done! When she got home, her daughter was FREE! Do you have this type of faith?
e) Some people have to SEE to BELIEVE. The Syro–Phoenician woman BELIEVED to SEE! Can God say the same about you?
Closing Confession: Father, this is a year of Great Victory for me. This year Your supernatural power will be manifested in my life like never before. I spend time in worship. I spend time at Your feet. I spend time crying out to You and worshipping Your holy name. My worship changes my focus. My worship puts all my attention on You and Your power. In worship, fear, doubt and unbelief flee from me. In worship, stress, care and concern fall off of me. In worship, I create an environment where You are free to do whatever You want to do in my life. And in the middle of my worship, I release my faith! Living this way, I know I will experience You this year like never before! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
