"crumbs, Dogs, And Saving Faith"

Title: “Crumbs, Dogs, and True Faith” Script: Mk7:24-37/Mt. 15:21ff

Type: Expos. Series Where: GNBC 4-3-22 GNBC

Intro: Anyone who owns a pet knows that it takes money to care for that cute dog or cuddly cat. I was surprised recently, however, to know just how much Americans spend on Fluffy and Fido. According to the American Pets Products Association, in 2018 US Citizens spent…$72.13 BILLION dollars on our furry family members! Now, let me put that into perspective. The UN states that in 2018 there were 192 nations in the world. The amount Americans spend on their pets surpasses the entire Gross Domestic Product of nations (Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, DRC, Uganda, Tanzania all but about 3-4 African nations)70 -192!!! There is no doubt about it, Americans love their canaries, cats, and dogs! Well into today’s passage we are going to see that Jesus loves “Dogs” too! (Pause) I am not talking of the four footed variety, but rather people who were despised by religious elites of His time. See one such person in today’s passage.

Prop: In Mk 7:24 Jesus Meets a woman whose faith impressed Him.

BG: 1. Account is recorded both here in Mk. and also in Mt. 15 (will use as well).

2. “Syrophonecian” big word that described a small region under Roman rule during the time of Christ. Phoenician and Syria. Matthew refers to this woman as a “Canaanite”.

3. Gentile woman with a problem – demonized daughter. Knows she needs Christ..

Prop: Read Mk 7:24ff & better understand the faith of this woman that impressed Jesus.

I. 1st: Incident Takes Place Due to Xst’s Attempt to Rest. V. 24

A. Christ and the Disciples travel to Tyre in an Attempt to gain some privacy.

1. Christ and disciples were exhausted and need a time of rest.

a. Illust – v. 24 – See in this passage that Jesus enters into a home in Tyre, most likely that of a Gentile. Why? Wouldn’t this have made Him ceremonially unclean? Yes, unless had been a Jewish home in that region.

b. Ever since Mk. 6:31 and John’s execution we’ve been following Xst’s crisscrossing of Galilee in an attempt to find a place and a time to get away from all ministry activity and rest. And yet: death of friend, interrupted by 5000 hungry people, rescues disciples on the sea, demonized man at Gennesaret, arguing with scribes and Pharisees constantly! No wonder, v. 24! Walks 40 miles NW of Capernaum/Bethsaida thru Galilee to Phoenician city of Tyre on coast of Med. Sea. Something very relaxing about the sea isn’t there?

2. No matter hard Christ attempted to get away, there were always individuals seeking Him.

a. Notice key phrase in v. 24 “He could not escape notice.” We all think from time to time that we would like to be incredibly famous. Maybe a politician. Maybe an actor. Maybe a sports of music celebrity. Don’t be so sure! Recently Ted Cruz got some neg publicity in an airport when got a bit testy. Meghan Markle found another side to marrying a royal. And now everyone walks on the other side of the street when see Will Smith coming!

b. Everything about Jesus’ mission on Earth was about saving us from our sins. The name Jesus means “Jehovah saves”, the word salvation means to rescue. Jesus’ name describes His mission and purpose of coming to Earth. Jesus gives us the Way, the Truth, and Life (John 10:10). Jesus gave us the way to God. No wonder people sought Him.

B. We need Rest as believers.

1. Let me reiterate the spiritual value of rest to the Christian…and even non-Christian.

a. If our Lord was in need and sought out opportunities to find places of rest, we need to as well. Some of us run ourselves absolutely ragged, usually for our kids, for things they may not even wish to do. Do not believe the culture’s lie that all kids have to have “stuff and activities” all the time in order to be happily, properly socialized, and well adjusted. Most kids I know would rather have a few minutes more a day with Mom and Dad, then being frantictly carted from one activity to another by a frazzled parent.

b. Christ said, "Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11:28-30) It is something Christ has to give you, however it is conditional and dependent upon a certain attitude that believers must have. Christ explained how believers can have spiritual rest. We all need and want to experience real joy, peace, contentment, and be free of fear and worry. "Take my yoke and learn of me" are Christ's instructions. To do that, a believer must become "meek and lowly in heart" as Christ is. I believe this is one of the most important statements that Christ ever made, and it has to do with a spiritual rest (Sabbath).