Over Our Heads, But Not Alone
You ever feel like you're in way over your head? Maybe it's a new job, a tough class, or a broken relationship. We all have those moments where life throws us into a situation we feel totally unprepared for. If you're nodding along, you're not alone. Matthew 15 that speaks directly to this feeling and offers a powerful reminder of where our true help comes from.
In the middle of Matthew 15, we meet a Canaanite woman who finds herself in a desperate situation. Her daughter is severely tormented by a demon, and she’s at her wit's end. She hears about Jesus and, despite the cultural and historical barriers, she seeks Him out, crying for mercy. What follows would have been a really surprising scene for the original readers of Matthew, but it holds a deep truth for us today.
The Desperation of the Canaanite Woman
Imagine being this woman. Your child is suffering, and you’ve exhausted all your options. In a last-ditch effort, you turn to someone who, by all societal standards, shouldn’t even acknowledge you. Yet, you cry out, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David!"
Jesus' initial response is silence. He doesn’t say a word. The disciples, annoyed by her persistent cries, urge Jesus to send her away. But she doesn’t give up. She approaches Jesus directly, falls at His feet, and pleads, "Lord, help me!"
Jesus then says something that seems harsh: "It isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs." Ouch. But this woman’s faith is unshaken. In fact, she’s emboldened. She replies, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table."
Her response is a game-changer. Jesus acknowledges her great faith and heals her daughter. His seemingly harsh response wasn’t meant to dismiss her. No! Jesus knew her faith and was pushing just the right buttons to bring out her boldness and challenge his followers prejudices. This story isn’t just about a miracle; it’s about the power of faith and the inclusivity of Jesus' grace.
What This Means for You
So, what’s the main point here? Our redemption in Christ comes through faith in Jesus, not our earthly standing. This woman wasn’t part of the chosen people of Israel. She had no societal or religious standing to claim Jesus' help. Yet, her faith was enough.
You might feel like you don’t measure up. Maybe you think your past disqualifies you from God’s grace. But here’s the truth: Jesus' grace is available to all who come to Him in faith. Your background, your mistakes, your status—none of these can keep you from the love and grace of Jesus.
Taking the Next Step
So, what do you do with this? Here are a few concrete steps to help you live out this truth:
Acknowledge Your Need: Just like the Canaanite woman, recognize your need for Jesus. It’s okay to admit you’re in over your head. In fact, that’s the first step to experiencing His grace.
Approach Jesus Boldly: Don’t let anything hold you back from coming to Jesus. Whether it’s guilt, shame, or fear, remember that His grace is sufficient for you. Approach Him with your needs, your fears, and your hopes.
Trust His Heart: Even when it seems like God is silent or His ways are confusing, trust that He is good and His perspective is greater than ours. He knows your heart and your needs better than you do.
Share the Gospel: Remember, everyone you meet is equal in their need for Jesus. Share this good news with others. Your story of faith is a powerful testimony for someone else who feels unworthy or overwhelmed.
Conclusion
The point is, Jesus wants your whole heart. He wants you to come to Him in faith, trusting that His grace is enough for you. What will you do this week to give your heart to Him? Will you acknowledge your need, approach Him boldly, and trust His heart for you?
Without taking this step, you’ll miss out on the fullness of what Jesus wants for you. So don’t let anything hold you back. His grace is more than enough.
