Matthew 15:27   By the words of this dear lady we are reminded of a simple, yet profound truth. Faith is, by its very nature, complete trust. The woman here continues to trust no matter what Christ might have to say to her, for she did truly trust him with everything. She realized, as we all…

Matthew 15:26   Jesus has a tendency to say amazing things, and this verse is no less amazing than any other of his sayings. Indeed, when we read it we are amazed that he would say it. We must understand it by remembering a few things. First of all, Jesus knew this woman’s faith. He knew…

Matthew 15:25   Do not miss this verse, it is so important to see what is here. The woman worships, and then requests further. How often do we request, and then worship? We wait for God to answer our petitions, and then we praise him. That is not the right order. Worship must be first and…

Matthew 15:24   Jesus was simply stating the facts as they were. Everything he did was in fulfillment of prophecy. His mission at that time was to the Jews. He wanted the disciples, as well as the woman, to understand that, if he helped her, this would be a strange new thing. This did not keep…

Matthew 15:23   This is quite strange for Jesus, ignoring a request for help. However, in our own day, God’s answer may often take some time to come. Jesus was dealing with this faith-filled Gentile the way that God had been dealing with them up to this point. He was not as active among them as…

Matthew 15:22   The woman likely was an inhabitant of either Tyre or Sidon, over the boarder. She made a special trip to see Jesus. Maybe she was on a journey and modified her itinerary to meet him. Either way, she went out of her way willingly and with purpose. She addresses Christ in a very…

Matthew 15:21   This does not mean he actually went to Tyre and Sidon, but that he came close to them, being in towns bordering Phoenicia. This explains how the encounter with the gentile woman comes about.Bible Reading: Psalm 49:1-54:7Scripture Memory: 1 John 3:24 “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby…

Matthew 15:20   In case there may be those who are concerned about the meaning of this in relation to the spread of disease, rest assured that is not the subject here. Some have dared to think that Jesus was unaware of the fact that disease can spread more easily when food is handled without the…

Matthew 15:19   One of the most controversial subjects of scripture is the source of sin. Most people believe that mankind is basically good. Obviously, Jesus is not one of those people. On several occasions Jesus made it quite clear that man is basically evil, morally bankrupt, and otherwise unregenerate. Without some kind of drastic change,…

Matthew 15:18   What we say reveals who were are at heart. Even the most hypocritical will, at one time or another, show themselves for who they really are by their speech. The tongue is almost impossible to control sometimes. So, what is deep within, not matter how hard we try to hide it, will come…