More Thoughts - Matthew 15:10-28

Pastor Markquart connects the narrative of the Canaanite woman, not with the miraculous feedings, but with the dialogue with the Pharisees in verses 10-20. He suggests that the Gospel writer is setting up the image of this Gentile woman with "great faith" against the image of the Pharisees with "little faith."

These two healings perhaps are a continuation with the previous story (Matthew 15:1-20) about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who loved their religious traditions more than God’s commandments of for mercy. True faith was not found in the epicenter of Judaism (the Pharisees) but was found in the genuine faith of a simple Gentile woman. The Pharisees became symbolic of “little faith” and the Gentile outsider (Canaanite woman) became symbolic of “great faith.” The Pharisees became symbolic of zealous religiosity, whereas the simple woman became symbolic of deep, genuine faith.

Since Matthew was writing to a primarily Jewish audience, it was important for him to help the original reader understand and accept that Jesus came also for the Gentiles. By including this story in such a manner, the readers would have identified with the Pharisees, and needed reason for Jesus to minister to a Gentile. Matthew provides that reason by demonstrating the greatness of her faith superimposed on the weakness of the faith of the Pharisees.

Have we fallen into the trap of the Pharisees, substituting religion where we ought to have faith? Is our routine and ritual more important than a dynamic relationship with Christ? Have we forgotten that our relationship with God should be an intensely intimate relationship--not only one where we are impacted by God, but one in which we have an impact on God?

We are uncomfortable with the notion of mere mortals being able to change the Mind of God, and yet Scripture is full of examples of people who were persistent in their prayers, causing God to change His mind. May we seek to have that sort of an intimate relationship with Almighty God.

Grace and Peace,

PastorJon