Subject: Even the Dogs Qualify
Matthew 15:21-29
Introduction: The Scriptures refer to four seasons during Jesus’ earthly ministry where He sought solitude and rest. No matter how gifted or anointed we are, we all need rest. We all need places to be refreshed. The unusual story of our lesson occurs during one of the most difficult periods of Jesus’ life. So much pressure was on him that sought refuge near the coast line. Although it was not in Tyre or Sidon, it was near the border.
Jesus and his disciples were traveling quietly as to not attract any attention, but He could not be hid. He is soon interrupted by a Syrophoenician woman with a great need. Jesus could not be hid because of his fame and approachableness by those who were in distress. The word was out….He will help you! This is really nothing new, because every time Jesus sought a place of retirement, people found him. So this Canaanite, Greek, Syrophoenician woman found Him near her coastline. She had a serious problem.
This woman’s young daughter was grievously demonized. She heard what Jesus had done for others and decided to take a chance. She found him on the road, and besought him to help her. Her daughter’s problem had become a family problem. Her plead was so earnest and sincere, the disciples joined in and encouraged Jesus to help her and send her away. Jesus answered her not a word! What a pitiful story! When he does respond, it’s not a positive response. During the delay, the woman chooses to renew her petition and begs for his help. Jesus replies, “I am not sent to your kind.” Then, “It’s not meet to take the children’s bread and give it to dogs.” The woman reply, “I’ll be satisfied with the crumbs.” This brought forth Jesus’ high commendation of her faith.
Most Jews consider Gentiles little more than dogs. They shunned them and avoided them. They felt as if Jews alone qualified for the favor of God. They alone deserved God blessings. In the text, notice the word Jesus used “dogs” means puppy dog or house puppy. There are some lessons we can learn for this story. Her faith caused her to address Jesus as the son of David or Israel’s future king and Messiah. Her faith caused her to worship Him. Her respect caused her to acknowledge the Jewish priority. And finally her faith is demonstrated by her humility, persistence and importunity.
It might helps to understand the setting. Jesus and the disciples had recently received the news concerning John the Baptist, who had been beheaded during Herod’s wild party. His headless body had been claimed and buried outside the city. His head was being used as the centerpiece of a banquet table. That’s enough to stress you out. Sometimes it looks like evil will always win. The woman comes not understanding the moment, but she is desperate. It is the woman who introduces the crumb idea. This referred to the small blessing that would not interfere with his ministry to the Jews. She seems to argue that Jesus was now away from the Jews and was not presently feeding them. So a blessing in this isolated case would not deprive the children. The woman was not only willing to suffer being called a house dog, she was willing to be treated as such.
I would like for you to think with on the subject, “Even the dogs qualify.” Think of a dog as the lease likely person, in the worst position, at the most inappropriate time, who discovers the power of faith. Faith in God is a qualifier that cannot be ignored. The lesson is filled with obstacles. (1) It’s not a good time. (2) She is the wrong race. (3) She is woman traveling alone. (4) It’s not her season. (5) Her only motivation is desperation. But Jesus mentioned a house dog, she saw a ray of hope.
She knew that house dogs were creatures of opportunity rather than convenience. House dogs view silence as positive encouragement rather than discouragement. House dogs have faith in their master’s history, love and concern. Finally, house dogs are satisfied by what the master gives. We should learn several things from this lesson…
1. Even the dogs qualify if they choose to seize the moment. If we are serious about having our needs met and the needs of our family, we must seize the moment. We must come to Jesus for those who cannot come for themselves because they are too demonized, too bound, too blind, we must seize the moment for them. Pet dogs will seize the moment.
2. Even the dogs qualify because they choose draw closer. House dogs consider the conversation of silence as encouragement to draw a little closer. First beside your chair, then against your leg and finally on your knee. God may not always answer quickly, but He will answer. The scriptures never rebuke for believing for too much or too much faith, always for not believing for enough.
3. Even the dogs qualify because house dogs rely on the master’s history, goodness and favor. This woman was familiar with Jesus’ reputation. He had a history of being good, showing favor, touching lepers, playing with children. Her faith allowed her to accept the indifference, rejection, discrimination and silence without anger, frustration or discouragement. It is true the dogs do not have a place at the table, but the dogs are privileged to the crumbs. Give the best food to the children and let them have their fill; just allow me to have the crumbs. If the bread nourishes the children, the crumbs will nourish me.
4. Even the dogs qualify because house dogs are not easily discouraged. You may feel like you are the lease likely person, in the worst possible place, at the most inappropriate time, but faith in God can change everything. If you discover the power of faith, you qualify! Your child can be delivered. Your Church can thrive and grow. Your health can be restored. Faith in God is a great qualifier.
Some may feel disqualified because of life’s circumstances, past mistakes, or present problems. What has qualified you? What lie has Satan told you? You must not allow pride to rob you or hold you back. You must find Jesus if you have to come alone. This woman humbled herself and was not ashamed to beg. She knew Jesus had the answer and she refuse to leave without it. Lord, help me! She counted on his mercy…Lord have mercy on me! She received her miracle. You too, qualify! Don’t give up. Don’t give out. Keep on believing. He will hear your cry.
Jesus often spoke of faith to his disciples, 5 times he said, Have faith and do not doubt; 6 times he said, O ye of little faith…3 times he called them, “a faithless and perverse generation. And twice, “If ye have faith of a mustard seed. Not once did Jesus say…You are believing for too much, your faith is too large…
God has not disqualified your ministry, family or church. What do you need from God? What are you believing God for today? What are expecting of Him? His answer is Even the Dogs Qualify…those who will seize the moment; draw a little closer; trust the master’s history, goodness and favor and those who will not be easily discouraged. Even you can receive your miracle, your blessing and have your needs met! Even you…
