Pentecost 11 - Proper 15

16 August 2020

Matthew 15:21-28

Get this woman off my back!

The disciples show great compassion…Not! They say, concerning this Canaanite woman, “Send her away! She keeps crying out after us!”

How does Jesus feel about her? You would think He would show just a little bit of compassion. After all He fed the crowd without cost. He silenced the storm and calmed the disciples’ fears. You would expect Jesus to show just a little bit of empathy and understanding. You would think He’d show some consideration, concern and care.    

First, He ignores her. Then He insults her. By calling her a dog! What the what? But this is exactly how Jesus responds.

No one likes someone who nags. Yet, this woman uses her nagging to get a cure for her daughter. Could we learn something from her today?

This woman –

Had no right to nag! So much was stacked against her.

1.            She was a woman with no rights. Or privileges. None! Not. A. Single. One. She wasn’t entitled. No one owed her anything. She stands there - alone.

2.            She was a Gentile with no claim on a Jew. “It is not right to take the children’s bread and cast it to the dogs.” Vs. 26 Jews referred to gentiles as “dogs.”  Jesus is simply stating fact. The disciple’s perceptions and views of Gentiles will have to change. And, in time, they will. 

Peter would one day realize: "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him."  Later, all would recognize the fact that the gospel is for all. "When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, 'Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.'"

3.            She was a pagan, a devotee of a false religion. And the demands of the law were clear. Have nothing to do with them. Instead. Be ye separate.

Transition: This woman. A nameless, faceless, person in the crowd. She had no credentials. No pedigree. Not a single recommendation from anyone. She stands alone. Yet she is driven. To seek help from the only one capable of helping her – Jesus Christ the righteous One.   

She had reason to nag!

1.            She had a serious need. Her daughter was possessed. By a demon. The demons were in a fight with Jesus. They would lay hold of any victim they could find.

From the time of Adam to this very hour, the devil acts as a narcissus. In order to strike out at God he attacks the children.

She had a mother’s love. She didn’t say, “Help her!” She says, “Help me!” Her daughter’s problem was her problem. Her daughter’s issue was her issue.  No one could help her. She makes the issue at hand up front and personal. There was no one to help her - Except Jesus, standing before her.

2.            She had humility. Notice her posture. Face down. Hands extended. ”Help me!” She cried! It’s the same prayer you pray, “Kyrie Eleison!” Lord, have mercy! 

She does not care about anything. Other than this Prophet. She seeks the only one who can help her daughter. And she will not be discouraged, depressed, dejected, or frightened. She did not demand. She had nothing to give. But she would plead, and beg, and petition Jesus until she got her miracle.

When you find yourself in dire circumstances - continue to pray. Continue to seek Jesus’ help and comfort. Never, ever give up. Pray without ceasing. Embrace endurance.

3.            She had faith. "Son of David" is a Messianic term. This tells us she knew something of the promise of the Father to send a Savior. She addressed Jesus as that Savior. Where had she learned this? We are not told. But, she is correct.

It would have been easy for her to turn away. In anger. Or sorrow. Or pride. She saw Jesus as the only hope for her daughter. She would not turn away! “O woman” says Jesus.

This exchange. Between a desperate mother and the Savior is a statement of endearment. Of love. And affection. After three strikes, -she gets…a miracle!

Jesus replies, “Great is your faith!”  She asks for crumbs and gets…Jesus! It’s all about that bread which falls from the Master’s table – It’s all about Jesus - the bread of life! Who entered your world, to assume your flesh, and offers Himself for the life of the world.

Great faith brings great rewards. This took courage. It took commitment. It took a spirit that refused to be daunted. Her faith was tested. She passed the test. The apostles are starting to wake up. They received a lesson that day that they would remember. Salvation is open to all who come in repentance and faith.

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Words –830

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Reading ease – 86.3%

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Pentecost 11 - Proper 15

Haters be Hatin’ but not Jesus!
        Romans 11:1-2a, 28-32

“Father welcomes all His children To His family through His Son. Father giving His salvation. Life forever has been won.” – Lutheran Service Book #605

Let Your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without Your help, protect and govern it always by Your goodness; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. ~ Collect for Pentecost 11  

“Has God rejected His people?” The Lord has not totally cast off the people He chose long ago. Even if they are at times disobedient to His will. God will always preserve for Himself a faithful remnant. There will be for Him, a faithful remnant as in the days of Elijah. 

What can we glean from today’s lesson is simply this. When God makes a promise He keeps it.  Not like out cheap imitations. Israel is still chosen. Even though many have cut themselves off. 

His promises are sure. For some, a promise is meant to be broken. But not with our Heavenly Father! For Him a promise is a promise.  He never breaks a promise, “For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” This is reassuring to us. Who live in a world where so often a person’s word has become largely unreliable.  He will not disappoint you.

Paul addresses two sets of ears. The first were Jews who became Christian converts. The other group, are Gentiles. Like their brothers. They were at one time pagan. But now they are a part of the family. Paul says to these Gentiles, “You too were once unfaithful, disobedient.” But because Israel was unfaithful, Gentiles have been brought to Christ.  

Many of you in this room might not have ever met a Jewish person, let alone a Jewish Christian. Tammy and I have a mutual friend who is both Jewish and a Christian. A few weeks ago I reached out to Michelle and asked her for her input with respect to this portion of Scripture. Her response is as follows…

“This is one of my favorite kinds of questions. I would want them to know - God's promises to the Jews continue to this day. Irrevocable means irrevocable. The church is grafted in to the covenant promises God first made to Israel. There are more Messianic Jewish believers today than at any time since the first century.” She concludes with these words, “Anti-Semitism is a toxic virus. Even if you personally don't know any Jewish people, maintaining anti-Jewish attitudes carries like a virus in our culture.” 1

Israel’s unfaithfulness had a purpose. That they might be brought back to God. The Lord called the Jews to be His people and Paul is positive God does not break His promises. Paul had this assurance that one day Jews and Gentiles will be in the church reconciled to God by faith in Christ. The disobedience of one provided the Lord with the opportunity. To give His mercy and love to all. Jews and Gentiles were of mutual benefit to each other. When one was shown mercy. The other shared in the blessing. 

God kept His promises to the Patriarchs. To Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Maintaining His love throughout. God will never cease to be merciful. God has never rejected His own. Because God’s promises are irrevocable speaks of His relationship to the entire world and especially in the world in which you live.

In this morning’s Gospel Jesus heals a Canaanite woman’s daughter. In this regard faith embraces Christ – which is NOT about doing right things. Or being correct. Performing rituals to perfection. Or even eating certain foods. It is what is on the inside which is the most important. 

We must not forget. Jesus was a Jew. As was the Apostle Paul. These words are Paul’s concerned, complex attempt to wrestle with the paradox that at least one Jew saw Jesus as Lord. While most of His people did not. This Canaanite woman is an unlikely candidate to be the ideal follower of Jesus. She’s Gentile. Yet she calls Jesus, “Lord” and “Son of David.” Unlike Peter. Who fails to understand anything Jesus was doing. Along with Jesus’ other disciples. Who attempt to chase her away. 

Discipleship is not automatic. Instead, a true believer is one who has absolute faith in Jesus. Paul is attempting to come to grips with the reality that his own people have not accepted Jesus as the Christ.  Yet all have been disobedient alike – both Jews and Gentiles together. In spite of everything, God is able to work through our disobedience to show us His mercy, love and care.  

In Jesus’ conversation with the Canaanite woman there is a wonderful exchange of words. Jesus responds to her by saying, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the family puppy.” She replies by saying, “Yes, Lord, yet even the mutts off the street eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.”

By her persistent prayer.  That Jesus would have mercy and help her. Even in the face of His initial silence. And apparent rejection. This Canaanite woman boldly confessed her faith in Christ. 

Her beautiful example. Encourages us to cling to the words and promises of the Gospel.  Even in the face of the Law.  That accuses and condemns us. Do not think you can walk your way into the Kingdom of God by some grand achievement. Paul commands a life of faith. By faith we receive the Father’s gifts. By faith we get precisely what we don’t deserve. And even more! That is why grace will always be karma’s worst nightmare. 

There is a purpose in all this. “That he may have mercy on all.” (Romans 11:32). Hence, the woman’s faith and hope were not disappointed. But her prayers were answered in the mercy of Christ. Not only does He grant us the crumbs from His Table. He also feeds us with “the children’s bread” in the house of His Father.  

Faith believes that God is not a Divine Accountant of Probation Officer. Rather, He’s an indulgent father. Who throws a party. For his indigent son. He’s like an employer. Who pays employees a full day’s wage. Even though they only worked an hour. He’s like a lavish wedding host. Who provides copious amounts of only the best and finest wine. He’s your Good Shepherd. Content to leave behind ninety-nine of His herd in safety. Who will risk all. To save just one, that is lost. 

This is the God who desires to bless all people I’m tempted to curse. He includes those whom I’d exclude. And embraces the very people I would shun. This good news, He says, is for all people. No one is to be excluded from the Father’s presence.

Tomorrow. We will witness the great eclipse. May this be our prayer. Lord, through the power of the Gospel - eclipse fear and hatred. By the power of Your love - eclipse violence and injustice. By the mercies of Christ - eclipse racism and bigotry.2

1 In light what has transpired in Charlottesville, VA these words are most appropriate: 

http://michellevanloon.com/2017/08/13/jews-will-not-replace-us-and-other-heartwarming-sentiments/

2 https://www.facebook.com/tom.terrell.547

Words – 1,175
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Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher Things

Time in the Word - Pentecost 11 - Proper 15

Time in the Word:
Proper 15
14-19 August 2017
"The Church Lives Under the Cross of Christ  and Prays in the Hope of His Mercy"

By her persistent prayer that Jesus would have mercy and help her (Matthew 15:22, 24), and even in the face of His initial silence and apparent rejection (Matthew 15:23–26), the Canaanite woman boldly confessed her faith in Him (Matthew 15:28). Her beautiful example encourages us to cling to the words and promises of the Gospel, even in the face of the Law that accuses and condemns us. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 10:29), and His Law “has consigned all to disobedience” for the very purpose “that He may have mercy on all” (Romans 10:32). Hence, the woman’s faith and hope were not disappointed, but her prayers were answered in the mercy of Christ. Not only does He grant us the crumbs from His Table, but He also feeds us with “the children’s bread” in the house of His Father (Matthew 15:26–27). He has brought us to His “holy mountain,” and He makes us joyful in His house, where He hears our prayers and accepts our sacrifice of praise upon the altar of His cross (Isaiah 56:7).

Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Prayer for the mission of the Church and her missionaries: Almighty and gracious God, You want all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Magnify the power of the Gospel in the hearts of Your faithful people that Your Church may spread the good news of salvation. Protect, encourage, and bless all missionaries who proclaim the saving cross that Christ, being lifted up, may draw all people to Himself, who lives and reigns…

Prayer for those outside the Church: Almighty and everlasting God, You desire not the death of a sinner but that all would repent and live. Hear our prayers for those outside the Church. Take away their iniquity, and turn them from their false gods to You, the living and true God. Gather them into Your holy Church to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Prayer for unity of faith:O God, Your infinite love restores to the right way those who err, seeks the scattered, and preserves those whom You have gathered. Of Your tender mercy pour out on Your faithful people the grace of unity that, all schisms being ended, Your flock may be gathered to the true Shepherd of Your Church and may serve You in all faithfulness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Monday, 14 August 2017—Psalm 28:1–2, 6–7; Antiphon, Psalm 28:8—This psalm of David was probably written during the rebellion of his son, Absalom. Recognizing that he is unable to protect and redeem himself, David cries to the Lord, his Rock, to hear the voice of his pleas for mercy, and then gives thanks to the Lord for having heard and delivered him. Verse 8, used as the antiphon, shows that God’s blessings extend to all His people.

Tuesday, 15 August 2017—Psalm 67—All of the Propers of the day express the fact that God’s salvation is for all people.The psalmist begins with the familiar Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24–26), a blessing originally applied to the children of Israel, but then extends it to all people: that Your way may be known on earth, Your saving power among all nations.

Wednesday, 16 August 2017—Isaiah 56:1, 6–8—Writing about 700 years before Christ, Isaiah prophesies of the LORD: Soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance will be revealed. The LORD’s salvation and righteousness have been revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for all, regardless of race, the LORD is pleased to gather to Himself people of all nations and races, and accepts their offerings and sacrifices: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.

Thursday, 17 August 2017—Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32—St Paul recounts how salvation is from the Jews (for Jesus was a Jew), but that it extends to all peoples, even to the Gentiles. Indeed, he laments over the fact that his people have now been disobedient by rejecting the Savior, but hopes that they may yet be saved.

Friday, 18 August 2017—Matthew 15:21–28—In Sunday’s Gospel account, Jesus heals the daughter of one who was despised by the Jews of His day—a Cannanite woman. Jesus shows that His ministry is not limited to the Jews; it extends to all people. Like the woman, we are all poor beggars before the Lord, and are privileged to receive His crumbs of mercy, for even His crumbs are more than sufficient for us.

Get this woman off my back!

The disciples show great compassion…Not! They say concerning this Canaanite woman, “Send her away! She keeps crying out after us!” How did Jesus feel about her? At first he ignores her, Then He insults her by calling her a dog!

No one likes someone who nags. Yet, she uses her nagging to get a cure for her daughter! Could we learn something from her today?

This woman had no right to nag.

1. She was a woman with no rights Vv. 21-22

2. She was a gentile with no claim on the Jews. Vs.26

3. She was a pagan, a devotee of a false religion. Vs.22

This woman had reason to nag. 

1. She had a serious need. Vs. 22

2. She had humility. Vv. 25-26

3. She had faith. Vs. 28

Saturday, 19 August 2017—The hymn of the day, In Christ There Is No East or West (LSB #653), reflects the theme of the readings: that, according to the order of salvation in Christ, there is no difference between any of the people of His Church. All man-made distinctions are gone as regards His forgiveness: Jew/Gentile, black/white, male/female, Anglo/Hispanic, etc. The Body of Christ, the Church, comes from all nations. Indeed, even our liturgy reflects this, as it is drawn from Jewish, African, and European sources. Likewise, our hymns come from many cultures across many ages.

Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Artwork by Ed Riojas, © Higher Things

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006Concordia Publishing House

Photo © Greg Gallmeyer