Image by: Chris Campbell

Introduction

Jesus was popular across borders because of his teachings and the miracles he performed. This Syrophoenician Woman (she was of Greek origin) heard of His power and came to one day. She asked Jesus to drive away the demon who was possessing her daughter. Her conversation with Jesus reveals 3 important principals for encountering God's power.

Text: Mark 7:24-30

1. The Syrophoenician woman was persistent, Mark 7:26

The Bible says she begged Jesus to drive out the demon who had possessed her daughter. Jesus intentionally ignored her (probably testing her faith) and his disciples urged him to chase her away.

A Canaanite woman from that area came and cried out, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is horribly demon-possessed!”  But he did not answer her a word. Then his disciples came and begged him, “Send her away, because she keeps on crying out after us.” Matthew 15:22-23

But this woman was persistent in her request.  She wouldn't take "no" for an answer. May be persist-ency is an essential quality of every woman. Every Christian needs to be persistent like women if they want to encounter God's power in their situations. Every Christian should learn to pray without ceasing when they feel the need for a miracle. Most of us are not persistent in asking. We let disappointments of unanswered prayer to overcomes our faith.  Jesus taught the principal of persist-ency in Luke 11:5-13.

2. The Syrophoenician woman was humble in her asking, Mark 7:27-28

The biblical order of salvation is first to the Jew then to the gentiles. Jesus replied to the woman's request by comparing the children of the household (the privileged position of Israel) with the little dogs that were kept as household pets (less privileged gentiles). In the time of Jesus Greeks had been recognized as the most intelligent nation on earth. Philosophers like Socrates, Pluto and mathematicians like Pythagoras were Greeks. A Greek ask a Jew for help under any circumstances. Most probably this woman could have taken Jesus' reply for an insult and leave. But she is so humble She said,

“Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

We do not deserve anything from God. But if we go before God with a humble attitude and ask Him in the name of Jesus in accord with the word it will be granted because God loves us. God is sovereign and some times we might not experience the power at once. Therefore couple your humble attitude with persistence prayer and faith. With that we come to the next point.

3. The Syrophoenician woman believed, Mark 7:29-30

Most of the time gentiles had more faith on Jesus than the Jews did. Jesus told her,

Then he said to her, “Because you said this, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.”

When she went she found out the demon has left the girl. The same is said about the Roman Centurion (Matthew 8:1-17). The Jews did not believe unless Jesus laid His hands on them. But this woman believed Jesus' words. Many say "Show me first then I will believe". But God's says  "Believe first and you will see".

Conclusion

Therefore be persistent. Go unto the heavenly father with a humble and open attitude. Have faith. Surely you will receive your reward.