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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

The Power of Persistent Faith

 

A 5th century BC votive relief found in a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius 
shows a dog eating under the Master's table. 

Welcome to this study of Matthew's Gospel, a collaboration between Mary Barmore and Dr. Alice C. Linsley. Before you begin the lesson, read Matthew Chapter 15. When you have finished reading, answer the questions. Check your answers by scrolling to the bottom.


Introduction

In this chapter Jesus confronts the Pharisees and Scribes about elevating the precepts of their "elders" above the Word of God (vv. 1-9). Jesus criticizes them for transgressing the commandment to honor one's father and mother for the sake of their rabbinic laws. The specific example cited by Jesus involves not paying a debt to one's parents by instead giving money to the Temple which made one appear holy. This money supported the Temple authorities.

The Pharisees and Scribes criticized Jesus' disciples for not washing their hands when eating. They believed that this was defilement. However, according to Jesus, "defilement" springs from the heart and not from the failure to observe ritual washing. 

A “Canaanite woman” from the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon asked Jesus to heal her daughter of demon possession. Jesus explained that his mission as Messiah was to the Jews. While accepting that Jesus came to feed the Jews (called "children of Israel"), the woman asserts that the "dogs" (Gentiles) need what Jesus offers, even if it comes as crumbs from the Master's table.

This chapter describes healings and a second feeding of a large crowd. This happened at a "mount" near the Sea of Galilee. 


Questions

1. In his criticism of the Jewish leaders, Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13. Here Isaiah speaks of a disconnect between the lips and the heart. This produces "vain" worship. What causes vain worship?

2. Jesus often quoted the Hebrew Scriptures. What does this indicate about his education?

3. The "Canaanite" woman is also referred to as a "Syrophoenician" woman. (Mark 7:24-30). Why?

4. What did the Syrophoenician woman want Jesus to do?

5. What was Jesus' initial response to the woman's request?

6. Jesus granted the woman's request and acknowledged her great faith. What did the woman believe about Jesus, and what was her spiritual attitude when she approached him?

7. What conditions were healed by Jesus, and why are these specific conditions significant?

8. According to the disciples, what available food was there to feed the large crowd? 

9. How many people were fed and how many baskets of leftovers were gathered?

10. What did the feeding of the crowd reveal about Jesus?



Answers

1. There are many causes of vain worship: hypocrisy, arrogance, spiritual rebellion, lust, hatred, deceit, etc. To worship in truth, we should confess our sins, seek forgiveness and repent.

2. Jesus knew the Hebrew Scriptures very well. As a Jewish boy he would have memorized large portions. Jesus' parents found him in the Temple instructing teachers and asking questions, amazing everyone with his understanding (Luke 2: 41-52). He was 12 years old at that time. By that age, many Jewish boys have mastered the first five books of the Bible (Torah). However, the fact that Jesus quoted Isaiah by memory suggests that he had progressed beyond that level to mastery of the Prophets.

3. The term "Canaanite" is more general than the term "Syrophoenician" used in Mark's account. The Land of Canaan included modern-day Israel, southern Lebanon, and parts of Jordan and Syria. It was bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on the West, the Jordan River on the East, Mount Hermon on the North, and Beersheba and the Sinai on the South. The woman was from the region of Tyre and Sidon on the Mediterranean coast. This region was known as Phoenicia. Historically, the rulers of Phoenicia were allies of Israel. King Hiram of Tyre provided the skilled workers and materials for David to build his palace. 


4. The Syrophoenician woman wanted Jesus to deliver her daughter who she believed to be possessed by a demon. In biblical times, people were delivered from demonic possession primarily by Jesus Christ who cast out demons with authority. This suggests that the woman had heard of Jesus and probably believed that he was Messiah (Christ). 

5. Jesus' initial response to the woman was to tell her that his mission was to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel." She did not belong to that population. The woman said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” She was willing to accept the crumbs.

6. Jesus marveled at her faith. He recognized her humility, a spiritual condition that arouses God's compassion. There is a beautiful Anglican prayer that alludes to this story. It is called the Prayer of Humble Access.

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the Flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his Blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his Body, and our souls washed through his most precious Blood, And that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

 

7. Jesus healed the maimed, the lame, the blind, those who could not speak, and many others. This stirred great wonder among the people and they glorified God. These conditions are significant because, according to Isaiah 35:5-6, the Messiah was to heal people with these conditions. These healings were a sign of Jesus' identity as the Messiah (Christ).

8. Jesus asked what was available and the disciples told him that they had seven loaves and a few small fish.

9. The crowd consisted of 4000 men plus women and children. Jesus did not want to send them away hungry. After the people were fed, the disciples gathered seven baskets full of the broken pieces.

10. Jesus had compassion on the hungry people. He was concerned that some would faint while returning to their homes. He had the people sit down and then he made sure that they were fed before he dismissed the crowd.

If you are just now joining this study, welcome! Between 600 and 800 people have joined us. If you wish to catch up, you will find links to the previous lessons below.

Join us next week as we continue our study of Matthew's Gospel. 


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