## A Mother's Faith

## Matthew 15:21-28

It is Mother's day and a good day it is. Today churches all over America are honoring mothers. Today I want us to look at an encounter Jesus had with a mother. He came for mothers: To save them and send them into service On this occasion Jesus meets a mother who's child is in peril

I. A MOTHER'S TROUBLES

A. Very few mothers escape being troubled somewhere along the way

1. There are accidents, disease, danger of all kinds.,

2. Mothers, you remember how it was when your little ones were sick or hurt.

3. You would do anything you could to relieve the pain and help your child.

B. The mother in our story shared in her daughter's agony

1. We hurt when our children hurt

2. One of most frustrating feelings is wanting to help and not being able too.

3. This mother knew Jesus was the only hope for her daughter

4. The same is true today for our children

II. A MOTHER'S FAITH

A. Her foundational beliefs

1. She loved her daughter

2. She believed in miracles

3. She had faith for her daughter

4. She believed in the divine ability of Jesus to help

B. She had confidence in

1. The fullness of Jesus' power over the evil in her daughter

2. The generosity of Jesus' Love - it was for all not just a select few

3. She would be heard and dealt with fairly and compassionately

C. With this in her heart she sought out and approached Jesus

D. She embarrassed the disciples with her shouting - they tried to send her away and spare Jesus the bother

III. A MOTHER'S PERSISTENT FAITH

A. She searched until she found Jesus - Even though Jesus had gone to a private place away from the crowds - this woman found him

B. Without an invitation a woman was asking for trouble but she went anyway - the life of her daughter was at stake

C. She overcame enormous cultural prejudices from both her own people and the Jews in going and asking this Jew for help

D. She overcame the disciples attempt to quiet her and send her away - Jesus was the only answer to her problem

E. She overcame the seeming silence and neglect of Jesus F. Jesus responds to her persistent faith - It would not give up

IV. A LESSON FOR TODAY

A. This mother came to Jesus in faith and trust

1. She came trusting and expecting Jesus to act

2. Her plea was earnest and she expressed it to Jesus

3. Her hope was expressed in humility - she bowed before him

4. She came with determination that would not be discouraged

B. This mother set an example for us all to follow

C. Her faith was honored by Jesus and her daughter was healed

D. What troubles do we have today that only Jesus can heal?

1. Come to Jesus...He can meet your need

2. This mother had a faith that would not be denied - and she is an example for us to follow