Passage
Mark 7:24-30 (ESV)
The Lamb Will Triumph
Revelation 17:1-18
Key Verse: 17:14
Faith That Pleases Jesus
Date: Mar. 30, 2016
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 7:29
And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.”
First, the Syrophoenician woman (24-26). Jesus left the place where he had confronted the religious leaders and went to a Gentile region in the vicinity of Tyre. A Syrophoenician woman heard that Jesus was near and immediately came and fell at his feet. Her beautiful daughter, once calm and peaceful, had been overcome with an impure spirit and no one had been able to help. Somehow, she knew for sure that the feet of Jesus was the place where mercy could be found.
Second, a faith that wouldn't be denied (27-30). Matthew writes that at first, Jesus didn't even respond to the woman's begging. When Jesus finally did respond, his words seemed rather disheartening: "it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." But the woman persisted. Even a crumb of God's mercy would be enough to meet her need and she would not turn away from him. Such faith in the Lord's character and is pleasing to him. We learn that we must hold on to the grace and mercy of God and never let go. Jesus announced that the demon had left her daughter. The woman believed him and went home to find that it was true.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your grace and mercy. Grant us a great and persistent faith like that of the Syrophoenician woman.
One Word: For such a reply, you may go
