"Behold, A
Woman Of Canaan"
Matthew 15:21-28
This woman of Canaan is held before us by the Holy Spirit in
the Book of Inspiration as an example of faith. And her faith in Christ is the
principle thing in the story recorded by Matthew. But when the Holy Spirit
says, "Behold, a woman of Canaan," I think he intends for us to behold these four things:
(1.) OUR LORD DETESTS SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. Of all evils in the world, none is so obnoxious, abominable, and detestible in the sight of God
as self-righteousness. The Lord Jesus left Jerusalem because he could not stomach the pride,
hardness,and self-righteousness of the Pharisees.
During the whole course of his ministry, he never withdrew, or hid himself
from, or refused the cry of a needy sinner. Harlots, publicans, lepers, and
beggars always found him accessible. But he hid himself from self-righteous
religionists. (2.) OUR EARTHLY TRIALS SHOULD TEACH US TO SEEK THE LORD. This
woman was in trouble. Her darling child was vexed with a devil. And there was
nothing she could do to help her. But that trouble, by the arrangement of
Divine providence, brought her to Christ and taught her to pray. (Read Psa. 107). She might have lived and died in careless-
ness,ignorance,and indifference,had it not been for
the torment of an afflicted child. But, because God had eternal designs of
mercy toward her,he sent her trouble that forced her
to come to Christ. (3.) OUR LORD PLACES GREAT VALUE UPON IMPORTUNATE,
INTERCESSORY PRAYER. "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much" (James 5:16). When we pray, we ought to pray for
others. Our prayers often go unanswered because our prayers are self-centered
(James 4:3). This woman came to the Lord Jesus with a plea for mercy, making
the needs of her child her own. She stood as a Substitute before him who is the
sinner's Substitute, making intercession with him who makes intercession for
the transgressors! (4.) GOD ALWAYS HONORS FAITH BECAUSE FAITH ALWAYS HONORS
GOD. It was the cry of faith from a poor beggar which caused the Son of God to
stand still. Faith always gets God's attention. Faith always gets hold of
Christ.Wherever he sees it, he says, "Thou hast ravished my heart...thou
hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes" (Song Of
Sol. 4:9). The only way in which sinners can please God and honor him is faith
in the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 11:5-6).
Don Fortner