Mark 7:24-30 "Life Is Just So Daily"
Some monotonous things in life are good:
- The beating of your heart.
- Breathing.
- Eating.
Occasionally we break through this monotony and something really gets our attention!
What grips the Lord’s attention?
Our text reveals the answer: God is excited about faith!
Let this passage reveal a living example of faith that not only pleases God, but a faith that receives His grace.
A Revelation of Faith (vv. 24-26)
This person was a gentile and a woman. To the Jews, Gentiles were referred to as dogs and women were even lower in their estimation.
Faith was born in her out of need.
- Her daughter was demon-possessed.
- She had a faith which resulted in action.
The tense of the text indicates that she not only asked Jesus once, but kept on asking.
Faith resulting in action is the only kind of faith that is real.
An Illustration of Persistence (vv. 27-30)
Persistence is one characteristic of true biblical faith.
Her persistence was tempered with humility.
She took the position of a worshipper.
When Jesus uses “dogs” in verse 27, He refers not to the scavenger dogs, but to the little pet, house dogs, with which the children played with.
Jesus used a term of affection not contempt.
The woman in humility accepted (v. 28) Jesus’ characterization.
The woman also showed persistence turning difficulty into opportunity.
Because of her persistence and faith this Gentile woman received the answer to her prayer.
A Manifestation of Grace
Jesus’ ministry was a redemptive ministry.
In Jesus’ action we see that:
- Grace is revealed in God’s purpose.
- God’s grace is received by God’s mercy.
This woman can teach us how to approach God:
- Approach God in faith – a faith that acts.
- Be persistent, yet humble.
- Look a difficulty as an opportunity for God to act.
God’s grace is sufficient for your needs.
