Passage
Matthew 15:21-28 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Jesus Blesses Faith
Date: Jul. 27, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 15:28
First, "Lord, have mercy on me!" (21-24) Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Perhaps he did not intend to have a public ministry there. But a Gentile woman came to him for help. Her daughter was demon-possessed. She begged Jesus for mercy. Jesus did not immediately answer, so the woman persisted in her cries. The disciples urged Jesus to send her away. Jesus told the woman that his ministry was for the Jews. This was the truth but it was also a test.
Second, "You have great faith!" (25-28) Love for her suffering daughter compelled this woman to press on. She knelt before Jesus and begged for mercy. Jesus replied that it was not right to take bread meant for children and toss it to their dogs. The implication was harsh. It was another test. Indeed, no one deserves God's mercy because all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. By faith, the woman accepted Jesus' words spiritually and answered wisely. Jesus recognized her great faith and healed her daughter.
Prayer: Lord, we deserve nothing from you but please have mercy on us. Thank you for hearing our prayer.
One Word: Humbly come to Jesus in faith
