True Faith Perseveres
Watch: Pastor Cam’s message entitled “True Faith Perseveres”, and then work through the following.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 15:21-39
Summary:
The passage highlights the nature of persistent faith, the inclusiveness of Jesus’ ministry, and the sufficiency of His provision. Through three key events, we are taught how faith that perseveres can overcome obstacles, grow deeper through trust in God, and glorify Him in every circumstance.
1. Faith for the Crumbles (Matthew 15:21-28)
Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman reveals a profound lesson about faith. She approaches Him with a desperate plea for her demon-possessed daughter, crying out, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David.” Initially, Jesus is silent, and when He finally speaks, His words seem dismissive, pointing out that His mission is primarily to the Jewish people.
Rather than giving up, the woman responds in humility, saying, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Her unwavering faith, despite rejection and cultural barriers, moves Jesus to commend her as a woman of great faith and heal her daughter.
This story reminds us that:
True faith persists, even when God seems silent or distant.
Humility is key in approaching God. The woman did not demand healing based on merit but pleaded for mercy.
Jesus’ mission extends beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries, showing that His love and compassion are for all people.
2. The Purpose in Your Salvation (Matthew 15:29-31)
Jesus travels to the region near the Sea of Galilee, where He heals the lame, blind, crippled, and mute. The crowd is astonished, glorifying “the God of Israel.” This section emphasizes the power and compassion of Jesus and the inclusiveness of His ministry, as He heals a primarily Gentile crowd.
The miracles teach us that:
Jesus has the power to restore all things and meet every need.
His mission is to bring salvation to all nations, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 42:1-4, Psalm 117:1).
Witnessing God’s work in our lives should lead us to glorify Him.
3. A Lesson Repeated (Matthew 15:32-39)
In this passage, Jesus performs another miraculous feeding, this time for a crowd of 4,000+ people, primarily Gentiles. The disciples, despite witnessing the earlier feeding of the 5,000, question how they will find enough food in such a desolate place.
Jesus, with patience and compassion, takes seven loaves and a few fish, blesses them, and feeds the entire crowd, leaving seven baskets of leftovers. This repetition of a similar miracle teaches important lessons:
Even after witnessing God’s provision, we often forget His faithfulness and struggle with doubt when new challenges arise.
Jesus is patient with our weak faith and meets our needs abundantly.
The inclusion of Gentiles in this miracle emphasizes that God’s provision is for everyone.
Key Scriptures: Matthew 15:21-39; Psalm 142:1-2; Romans 12:2; 1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 5:1-5; John 1:16; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16
Discussion Questions:
How can we persist in prayer when it feels like God is silent?
What can we learn from the humility of the Canaanite woman in how she approached Jesus?
Why do we often forget God’s past faithfulness when faced with new challenges?
How do we balance acknowledging our unworthiness with having confidence in God’s mercy and love?
What steps can we take to glorify God in our trials as the crowd did after witnessing Jesus’ miracles?
Personal Application:
Persist in Prayer: When answers seem delayed or God seems silent, continue seeking Him with faith, trusting that His timing is perfect.
Humble Yourself Before God: Like the Canaanite woman, approach God with humility, acknowledging your need for His mercy and grace.
Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on past instances of God’s provision to strengthen your trust in current challenges.
Lean Into God’s Compassion: Recognize that Christ’s love and care extend to you in every season, no matter how unworthy you feel.
Glorify God in All Circumstances: In times of blessing and need, worship and glorify God for who He is and what He has done in your life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the reminder that true faith perseveres, even when circumstances seem difficult or unclear. Help us to be like the Canaanite woman—persistent, humble, and trusting in Your mercy. Remind us of Your faithfulness in the past and teach us to lean on Your provision today. May we glorify You in every season of our lives, knowing that Your grace is sufficient. Strengthen our hearts to rest in Your love and guide us to live as people of unwavering faith.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
