Young People's Group

THE CHALLENGE TO HAVE GREAT FAITH

by Pastor Mitch
October 30, 2005

An Example Of One Having Great Faith

Is it possible for Christians to have great faith? Such a question should normally necessitate a positive reply. And yet, deep in the recesses of our mind, it is not uncommon for Christians to entertain the doubt that such a faith is an elusive entity. Young people, the example of the Gentile woman in the text ofMatthew 15:21-28 should eradicate this doubt. This woman of Canaan, who had not much understanding of the Scriptures, was commended for her great faith by the Lord Jesus.

“O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.”
Matthew 15:28

This woman had a daughter who was severely demon-possessed. She persistently sought the Lord in faith and He specially commended her for her great faith. This was also a rebuke to the disciples. They were constantly learning under the Lord Jesus and yet, they did not possess such faith. How can we cultivate our faith till it is one that is great?

1. Learning To Have A Right Understanding Of The Lord

“And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.'” 
Matthew 15:22

The Gentile woman was right in seeing Jesus as a merciful Lord. But she was incorrect to call Jesus the Son of David. She had no natural claims on a Jewish Messiah because she was not a Jew. When the Lord Jesus did not respond to her, she realised how erroneous she was. Her cries to the Lord were aptly shortened to “Lord, help me” (Matthew 15:25). This time, the Lord promptly responded to her. In order for us to have great faith, there are times when our understanding of the Lord has to be corrected. When we have a right understanding of the Lord, great faith will come.

2. Learning To Exercise Great Humility Before The Lord

Great faith also requires one to be greatly humble before the Lord. The Lord Jesus answered the Gentile woman and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs” (Matthew 15:26). The Jews were referred to as “children” and the Gentiles to “little dogs”. The Lord Jesus’ ministry was focused on the Jews. It was not meant for the Gentiles yet. The woman answered the Lord Jesus with great faith.

“And she said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.'”
Matthew 15:27

She knew that she was undeserving of the Lord’s grace and mercy. And yet whatever little He could offer, it was considered to be more than enough. What great humility!

The Lord’s Commendation Of Great Faith

The Lord commended the Gentile woman for her great faith.

“O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.”
Matthew 15:28

Her daughter was healed. Young people, let’s also seek to have great faith in the Lord. If a Gentile woman with little knowledge can possess great faith, so can we. Let’s cultivate a faith that the Lord will be pleased with.

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