THERE ARE two statements in the seventh chapter that ably express the character of Jesus’ walk throughout His whole service on earth. First: (v. 24) “He could not be hid.” Second: (v. 37) “He hath done all things well.” How truly do these speak of the perfect Servant who indeed could not be hid, for He had come to do His Father’s will. His service was ever “well done” both in the sight of men and of His Father.
Tyre and Sidon are outstanding examples of wickedness with a pronouncement of judgment on them, and yet we find Jesus going to them. In John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) we read: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Whosoever means all.
In the verses previously considered and now before us, we are reminded that if what comes out of natural man is defiling, the things that come from Jesus are entirely opposite thereto full of mercy, grace and truth, which now draws to Him another needy soul. “For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of Him, and came and fell at His feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by nation; and she besought Him that He would cast forth the [demon] out of her daughter.” This woman was actually a foreigner and outside the claims of Israel, but she recognized Jesus as the provider of mercy and came to Him on behalf of her daughter.
In Matthew’s account of the same story we learn of her words: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil [or demon].” Then as the Lord tests her faith, she worships Him saying, “Lord, help me.” Here indeed was a wonder faith on the part of an outsider. But there is yet to be further proof of when the Lord says: “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and cast it unto the dogs.” This may se to us harsh language to one who came to Jesus for help, but He made no mistake in reminding her, and those who were present, that He was still the Messiah of Israel, and that outsiders were at that time yet “Gentile dogs.” How nice to see her persistence in answering, “Yes Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.”
This is a wonderful story for every mother and father who may have un saved children (like this woman’s young daughter — with an unclean spirit). Persist in those prayers, dear parent, on behalf of the ones you love so well. Remember the promise of God’s Word: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Jas. 5:1616Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16). The woman’s fervent cries brought the desired answer, “Go thy way; the demon is gone out of thy daughter” and we may be sure she returned home a happy and thankful woman.
“And His disciples came and bought Him, saying, Send her away, for she crieth after us.” Matt. 15:2323But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. (Matthew 15:23). How often the disciples were impatient toward poor people who sought the Lord’s help. Of course they were actually kind-hearted men, and were anxious to keep the Lord from being “bothered” with people who interfered with His other work which they felt was more important. May those who serve Him be slow to discourage any inquiring soul for we may thus miss the blessing of bringing such to Jesus. He will surely find and save them, regardless, but we will have lost the rewarding joy that would otherwise have been our experience.
ML-09/08/1963