Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David…” -Matthew 15:22
“We are beggars; this is true,” are reported to be Martin Luther’s last written words. Christians are “beggars” for God’s grace, undeserving but graced nonetheless. Today the Canaanite woman becomes our model, as she persists with both humility and audacity. As disciples of Jesus and “beggars” for God’s grace, we live the same paradox of humility and audacity, boldly coming to Jesus and humbly acknowledging our need.
Sermon Theme
Are crumbs enough?
Sunday Music
In New Day we will sing “Now Faith” as our Worship Song. Drawing from Hebrews 11:1 the refrain is “Now faith is being sure of the things we hope for and certain of the things we cannot see.” The Hymn of the Day at traditional services this week is “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” (ELW 588) with lyrics that sing of God’s great mercy and love, reflected in the mercy shown to the woman in the gospel reading. We’re reminded that God is the true arbiter of justice and at times we make God’s love too narrow, “[magnifying] its strictness with a zeal God will not own.’
Home Devotional Questions
- Has there been a time in your life where you’ve persisted in fixing something that was wrong?
- How was that experience?
- Where did you feel God’s presence?
- Have you ever felt like you were in the margins? What was it like?
- Have you ever been a friend to someone who was considered an “outsider?” How were you a friend and advocate for them?
