And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.
Mark 7:24-26 ESV
Jesus had gotten pretty far outside Jewish land. He was getting way out of his ministry area, and far away from anyone who might have known him. Since this was Gentile territory, everyone around him was “unclean.”
What is the significance of the description of the woman? Why is her background important in this story?
What social barriers are crossed by the woman and by Jesus in this story? What does this reveal to us about Jesus?
How would you describe the attitude of the woman as she approached Jesus? What attitudes should we exhibit when approaching Jesus?
After teaching about all foods being clean, Jesus demonstrated that Gentiles are included in His Kingdom by going to Tyre. A Gentile woman humbly approached Jesus on behalf of her daughter who was demon possessed. Jesus allows all people to approach Him when done so out of humility and worship.
And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
Mark 7:27-28 ESV
How would you characterize Jesus’ response? Do you think He responded as he did to test the woman’s faith or for other reasons? Explain.
How does the woman’s response demonstrate faith in God? How does it demonstrate humility and an understanding of God’s grace?
Jesus responded to the woman’s request by reminding her that salvation was offered to the Jews first. She demonstrated deep understanding and faith by pointing to God’s including the Gentiles and her contentment with her daughter receiving any portion of God’s grace. God sometimes tests our faith as we humbly await His gracious action.
And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
Mark 7:29-30 ESV
Do you think Jesus was more surprised, pleased, or impressed by the woman’s response? Explain.
What does His response teach us about God’s grace being offered to all people? What does His response teach us about prayer?
Jesus commended the woman and healed the daughter from a distance. Jesus is willing to demonstrate His power to those who humbly approach Him and are willing to accept His response. He answers prayer, demonstrating His grace and mercy to all people.
What do you need to change in your attitude toward God when approaching Him?
What prayer requests have you abandoned that you need to humbly resubmit to God?
Who in your life needs deliverance from sin and its influence in their life? What specific requests to Jesus do you need to make on their behalf?
