All I need is a crumb!

TEXT:

‘She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour’ – Matthew 15:27-28

THOUGHT:

The desire to see people’s lives enriched by personal faith in Jesus Christ drives evangelism. After all, what greater thrill than to see a person’s eternal destination change from hell to heaven! Seeing lives change from fear to peace, illness to health and godlessness to holiness is truly wonderful.

This is why we have designated June as a month of evangelism. A concerted effort by a few to reach the many. That is not to claim we are the only ones evangelising, but to ensure that we are doing our part regardless of what other Christians and churches do. After all, I will stand before God to give an account for what I did with the gospel.

Recently reading the Book of Revelation reminds me, all too vividly, of the terrible things that are coming on this earth. If I can help anyone to avoid that, it will be well worth it.

When the need for help involves one’s own children, that desire for God’s intervention intensifies. Nothing matters more as we see from this unnamed Syro-Phoenician woman who went in search of a miracle. The same was true for Jairus when his daughter lay dying, whom Jesus raised from the dead. ¹ And also the nobleman who came to Jesus because his son was so ill. ²

The account of this woman coming to Jesus reveals some important truths that can help us to get the miracle we need too, whether for ourselves personally or those that we love and care for.

• When the opportunity arises to call on Jesus, make sure you take it

As far as the Bible records, this is the only time Jesus went into the area of Tyre and Sidon. He visited other cities like Capernaum frequently, but this trip appears to be a once only. If she did not make the most of this opportunity, would she get another chance? She could not take that risk. ‘Call upon Him while He is near.’ ³ God is everywhere, yet there are times when we are aware of His presence and influence on our life. He comes to bring about change for the better, so do not miss it. ‘Now is the accepted time: behold now is the day of salvation.’ ⁴

• When things try to stop you, keep going!

She first encountered the disciples, but they could not help. In fact, the more she pestered them, the more annoyed they got, even demanding Jesus to tell her to clear off. Often it’s our own mind that tries to reason and talk us out of turning to Jesus, or it may be our spouse, family or friends. Remember, the answer does not lie with them, so keep going until you get to the One who can meet your needs and answer your prayers.

• What we do not have a right to, can still be ours because of the grace of God

It is easy to misunderstand what Jesus said to this woman and end up thinking He was very rude, calling her a dog. He was in fact illustrating the truth that because the gospel was given firstly to the Jews, she being a Gentile was on the outside. It was not her automatic right to get the answer she desperately wanted for her daughter. In a flash she understood what Jesus was saying and agreed with Him. “Yes, I am a dog, but dogs can benefit from what’s on the table when it falls on the floor!” she replied. Today, we have no such worries as the gospel is for anyone, anywhere in this world.

• The greatness of her faith is seen by the fact of how little she believed she needed to get the miracle – Just one crumb would be sufficient!

We read of only 2 people Jesus commended for having great faith. One was a Roman centurion. ⁵ The other is this woman. ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God.’ ⁶ With it, anything can happen. The good news is that God gives to everyone a measure of faith, so that the impossible can happen. ⁷

• The moment she heard Jesus say her request had been granted, she stopped asking

She did not question it. Great faith believes the words of Jesus and acts as if it is so. The same faith that said, “All I need is a crumb” rose up inside her and said, “Jesus has spoken. He is the truth and cannot lie. I have got the answer.” Off she went and found her daughter totally set free from the demons that had tormented her.

The good news is that what happened then is happening around the world today and can happen to you too.  Do not miss this time for you do not know whether you will get another opportunity.

God promises, ‘Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things.’ ⁸

 

1 – Mark 4:21-23, 35-43         2 – John 4:46-54         3 – Isaiah 55:6

4 – 2 Corinthians 6:2               5 – Matthew 8:5-13    6 – Hebrews 11:6

7 – Romans 12:3                     8 – Jeremiah 33:3