“Behold, A Woman of Canaan”

Matthew 15:21-28

 

This woman of Canaan is held before us by the Holy Spirit in the Book of Inspiration as an example of faith. Her faith in Christ is the principle thing in the story recorded by Matthew. However, when the Holy Spirit says, "Behold, a woman of Canaan," I think he intends for us to behold these four things:

 

1.     OUR LORD DETESTS SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS.

 

Of all evils in the world, none is so obnoxious, abominable, and detestable in the sight of God as self-righteousness. The Lord Jesus left Jerusalem because he could not stomach the pride, hardness, and self-righteousness of the Pharisees. During the whole course of his ministry, he never withdrew, hid himself from, or refused the cry of a needy sinner. Harlots, publicans, lepers, and beggars always found him accessible. But he hid himself from self-righteous religionists.

 

2.     OUR EARTHLY TRIALS SHOULD TEACH US TO SEEK THE LORD.

 

This woman was in trouble. Her darling child was vexed with a devil. There was nothing she could do to help her. But that trouble, by the arrangement of divine providence, brought her to Christ and taught her to pray. (Read Psa. 107). She might have lived and died in carelessness, ignorance, and indifference, had it not been for the torment of an afflicted child. But, because God had eternal designs of mercy toward her, he sent her trouble that forced her to come to Christ.

 

3.     OUR LORD PLACES GREAT VALUE UPON IMPORTUNATE, INTERCESSORY PRAYER.

 

"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). When we pray, we ought to pray for others. Our prayers often go unanswered because our prayers are self-centered (James 4:3). This woman came to the Lord Jesus with a plea for mercy, making the needs of her child her own. She stood as a Substitute before him who is the sinner's Substitute, making intercession with him who makes intercession for the transgressors!

 

4.     GOD ALWAYS HONORS FAITH BECAUSE FAITH ALWAYS HONORS GOD.

 

It was the cry of faith from a poor beggar which caused the Son of God to stand still. Faith always gets God's attention. Faith always gets hold of Christ. Wherever he sees it, he says, "Thou hast ravished my heart...thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes" (Song Of Sol. 4:9). The only way in which sinners can please God and honor him is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 11:5-6).

 

Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For Today Radio Message #713

2734 Old Stanford Road - Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438

Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net