April 28
Lesson 9 (KJV)
Faith of a Canaanite
Devotional Reading: Psalm 61
Background Scripture: Matthew 15:21–28
Matthew 15:21–28
21 Then Jesus went thence and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her, not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not a good idea to take the children’s bread and to cast it on dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Key Text
Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.—Matthew 15:28
Examining Our Faith
Unit II: The Measure of Faith
Lessons 6–9
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize the interaction between Jesus and the Canaanite woman.
2. Explain Jesus’ response in verse 24.
3. Brainstorm situations where a parent should and should not intervene on behalf of a child.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Blessing an “Outsider”
B. Lesson Context
I. First Request (Matthew 15:21–24)
A. Woman’s Mission (vv. 21–22)
A Mother’s Care
B. Jesus’ Mission (vv. 23–24)
II. Second Request (Matthew 15:25–28)
A. Great Need (v. 25)
B. Greater Priority (vv. 26–27)
C. Great Faith (v. 28)
No Surprises Here
Conclusion
A. Great Faith for God’s People
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
How to Say It
|
Bethsaida |
Beth-say-uh-duh. |
|
Canaanite |
Kay-nu-nite. |
|
Capernaum |
Kuh-per-nay-um. |
|
centurion |
sen-ture-ee-un. |
|
Chorazin |
Ko-ray-zin. |
|
Deuteronomy |
Due-ter-ahn-uh-me. |
|
Mediterranean |
Med-uh-tuh-ray-nee-un. |
|
omniscient |
ahm-nish-unt. |
|
Phoenicians |
Fuh-nish-unz. |
|
Syrophenician |
Sigh-roe-fih-nish-un. |
|
Zarephath |
Zair-uh-fath. |
|
What Do You Think? How do you decide whether or not to withdraw from a situation for your spiritual, physical, or emotional health? Digging Deeper How might the example of Jesus help inform your decision? |
|
What Do You Think? What steps can we take to increase our faith in God before we see Him act? Digging Deeper How do cautionary admonishments, such as that of Luke 12:22–23, help inform your answer? |
|
What Do You Think? What metaphors or analogies might we use to help someone understand the depth of God’s grace and mercy? Digging Deeper What are some dangers of using these comparisons? |
|
What Do You Think? How will you exhibit tremendous and persistent faith in the upcoming week? Digging Deeper What steps will you take to address possible roadblocks that challenge your faith? |
Conclusion
A. Great Faith for God’s People
The woman in today’s text was the ultimate “outsider” to a first-century Jewish audience. She was aware of the biases against her. The deck would be stacked against her if she approached a Jewish teacher. Despite that awareness, she came to Jesus anyway. Her desperate situation and her suffering daughter necessitated a bold response.
The woman’s behavior revealed a persistent and great faith. As a result, she received mercy from the Son of David. She was considered an “outsider” to some people, but she was an “insider” because of her life of faith.
This Scripture invites us to desire a life of great faith. What blessings do we fail to receive because we limit or misplace our faith? A life of great faith requires steadfast confidence that God will show mercy to everyone. How does your perspective need to change in this regard?
|
What Do You Think? Considering this quarter’s title, “Examining Our Faith,” what’s the most important thing you can do to complete a self-examination of your faith? Digging Deeper Who will you recruit as an accountability partner to help with that examination? |
B. Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are grateful to be part of Your family. Reveal to us the things that prevent us from having great faith. Encourage us when we feel unable to show persistent faith. Give us eyes to see people we consider “outsiders” so we can invite them to experience Your great mercy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Live by great faith!
Involvement Learning
Enhance your lesson with KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).
Chad Summa et al., “Faith of a Canaanite,” in The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2023–2024, ed. Jane Ann Kenney, Ronald L. Nickelson, and Taylor Z. Stamps, vol. 71, The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary (Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2024), 303–304.
Comments