Becoming Together through Faith (MPLS)

Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

I wonder if Jesus was just having a bad day. I get it. I’ve been there. A comment I wish I could erase or an opinion I should have kept to myself. Moments, encounters when I wish I could turn back the hands of time, get a do-over — you know, another chance.

I wonder if Jesus would have opted for a do-over in the story we just heard. His response seems so out of character for him. We confess that Jesus is fully divine AND fully human. But snarky? Mean? Calling someone names? Jesus is really harsh with the Canaanite woman. He should know better.

Maybe we just need to meet Jesus with some grace — a grace like God extends to us — again and again. Jesus has been preaching, teaching and healing, in constant debate with religious leaders. Maybe he’s just exhausted, weary and in need of a day off. His tank is empty. He needs a break. He goes away to find respite and refill his tank. Thinking he can fly under the radar, he travels to Tyre and Sidon, for some much needed rest.

Except the word about Jesus is out. A woman comes and finds him. He is her last hope. She is a mother doing what desperate mother’s do — beg, demand, argue, pursue whatever it is their child needs to live. She just wants her kid to be free — from worry, anxiety, depression — whatever the demon happens to be.

Whatever it is, she’s out of options. She’s not taking no for an answer. We know what having a sick child does to a parent. The particular details of our story may be different but her cry is familiar: Lord, have mercy on me!

It’s a prayer that reveals the truth of who we are — the truth of our human condition: we cannot save ourselves. We need the Lord’s mercy, we need God’s help; we need Jesus.

Jesus’ response is shocking — at first, he’s silent. His disciples, on the other hand, are quick to speak up: “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us”. Jesus doesn’t send her away but tells her she’s not part of his mission — to heal her daughter would be wasteful — like throwing food to the dogs.

She is not deterred. She persists: “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table”. She is speaking truth — a truth Jesus knows but may not yet fully comprehend: that there is no limit, no end to God’s mercy and compassion. Her confession moves Jesus into the reality of God’s promised abundance. Hearing God’s truth, Jesus remembers who he is and he commends her for her great faith.

I’d like to introduce you to Frank Chase. He’s not actually here today but he agreed to meet with me a few days ago to share a very personal story about his faith. He’s honest that faith doesn’t come easy; there’s struggle; it’s tough. Sometimes it feels like God is silent or absent but time and time again, God surprises him, showing up, assuring Frank that he’s not alone.

Frank is a member of Bethlehem. He’s a businessman in Minneapolis, owner of Andy’s Garage, a diner located at the Midtown Global Market, and Andy’s Diner in Uptown. I recorded our conversation on zoom earlier this week.

[Watch video]

Frank tells this story with a humility that is disarming and there’s a boldness to it too. He said he always ends the story by talking about God, about what God did, and what God is doing. Did you catch that? Frank said he’s not an evangelist, but he is! He’s bearing witness to a God who is doing big, powerful and healing work in this hurting world. That’s good news. And it’s drawing people of all faiths into the power of God’s transforming love.

This perspective is at the heart of Bethlehem’s stewardship campaign that begins today: Becoming Together through Faith, Hope and Love. God blesses us with faith, hope and love — freeing us to give witness to the good news that God is doing big, powerful and healing work in this hurting world.

Today’s bible story and Frank’s story invite us into a bold way of living. They invite us to trust in a God who provides and who will continue to provide even in circumstances where it doesn’t seem possible. Maybe that’s a no-brainer for you — maybe you’re at a place in faith where you’re confident of God’s abundant grace. Give God thanks for that. And give God praise by telling others of God’s goodness that you see and know. And if your faith feels a little shaky today, pray for God’s kingdom to come anyway. Ask for it. Demand it. Jesus will hear you. Jesus will bless you. And Jesus might just surprise you with God’s goodness and grace. Amen.