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MATTHEW 15:21- 28

"A PRAYING MOTHER"

Intro: I am convinced that when aII the facts are in, we will find that praying mothers  have
       done more to influence our history than any other single force.

I. A MOTHER, DRIVEN BY CIRCUMSTANCES TO CHRIST.
        A. Her daughter grievously vexed by a devil.
                1. What form this vexing took is not told.
                        a. Incorrigible?
                        b. Fits of irrationality?
                        c. Mental or physical instability?
                2. It caused pain in, this mother's heart and desperation that was unstoppable.
        B. Many mothers driven to Christ by their intense love for their children.
                1. They want the very best for their children.
                2. They want their lives to be full, rich, and strong.

II. THE PERSISTENCE OF THIS MOTHER.
        A. It seemed that Jesus was ignoring her.
                1. We must remember that the whole time, He had planned to help her.
                        a. "He knew men and He knew what was in men."
                        b. He knew the full depth of faith and He was seeking to draw it out.
        B. She then began to implore the disciples.
                1. She was so insistent with them they came to Jesus.
                2. "Lord, do it for her and get her off our backs."
        C. Jesus speaking to disciples in her hearing declared her outside the primary scope
           of His ministry. "I am not sent, but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
                1. She was of Canaan.
                2. She was a lost sheep.
        D. "She came and worshipped Jesus."
                1. This is prayer in its highest form.
                2. Her petition, "Lord help me."
                        a. Short, direct.
                        b. We have never been told the efficiency of long prayers.
                        c. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
        E. "He points out that she has not covenant rights." It isn't right to take the
           children's bread and cast it to dogs."
                1. Two words for dog.
                        a. Kuon - Wild scavenger. "Take not that which is holy and give it to
                           dogs."
                        b. Kunarion - little puppy, cut little household pet, part of the 
                           family.
                        c. Which word do you think Jesus used?
        F. "Truth Lord, the IittIe puppies eat the crumbs that fall from the Master's table."
                1. "I'm - not worthy to come to your table."
                2. "All I'm asking for is a crumb."
        G. Note: calling Him "Son of David" brought no response.
                1. That's His covenant relationship with Israel.
                2. Calling Him Lord, brought response. He is universal Lord over all.

Ill. THE REWARD OF THIS MOTHER.
        A. "O woman, great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as you will."
                1. Down deep she knew, He would do it.
                2. She wasn't to be denied.
                3. Her grief and love for her chiId greater than any obstacle.

Prejudice - Silence -  Exclusion - Her faith conquered