In the sermon "A Cry For Us & Our Children," Paul Mahan addresses the urgent need for mercy as exemplified by the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28. Mahan emphasizes that true humility and desperation for God's mercy are essential in the current cultural context, arguing that many today are complacent and fail to recognize their need for divine help. He references the passage to underscore that Christ engaged with this woman despite her unworthiness, illustrating His willingness to respond to the cries of sinners. The sermon draws practical implications for believers, urging them to actively intercede for their families and recognize their inherent need for mercy in prayerful supplication. By emphasizing themes of electing grace and the necessity of genuine repentance, Mahan calls believers to cry out to the Lord for themselves and their loved ones, reminding them that mercy is to be sought above all else.
Key Quotes
“This is one woman. One woman. He left... to see a Galilee by the sea, and walked over the mountains... to call on one woman. How do you know? Because she's going to call on him.”
“She asked for one thing, mercy. So he left the men... and he went all the way to Tyre and Sidon.”
“What do you think of when you think of great faith? You think of Abraham, you think of Noah... Our Lord called it great faith a woman who would not quit calling and would not quit praying.”
“Have mercy on me, O Lord. The fear of the Lord. That's the beginning of saving wisdom.”
The Bible teaches that mercy is not receiving the punishment we deserve and is essential for sinners seeking salvation.
Mercy is a fundamental attribute of God as presented in the Bible. It represents God's compassion and forgiveness towards mankind, who are inherently sinful and undeserving of His grace. In Psalm 51, King David cries out, 'Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness; according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.' This plea for mercy illustrates the human condition of sinfulness and the need for God's grace. Thus, understanding mercy as an expression of divine grace is vital for every Christian, particularly as we acknowledge our own shortcomings and our need for redemption through Christ.
Psalm 51:1, Luke 18:13
Jesus exemplifies the granting of mercy through His actions, as shown in the story of the Canaanite woman who cried out for help.
In Matthew 15:21-28, we see a poignant example of the power of Christ to grant mercy. The Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, desperate for mercy for her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial silence and the suggestion that it was not fitting to give the children's bread to dogs, her persistent faith and plea for mercy compel Jesus to respond affirmatively. This narrative powerfully illustrates that Jesus, knowing the depths of human need, responds to those who seek Him earnestly. His ability to grant mercy is not based on human merit but on His sovereign grace, demonstrating that He is willing to help those who recognize their need for Him.
Matthew 15:21-28, Hebrews 4:16
Seeking mercy is vital for Christians as it acknowledges our dependence on God's grace for salvation and the salvation of others.
The importance of seeking mercy cannot be overstated in the life of a Christian. As sinners, we must recognize our inability to earn salvation and instead turn to God with humility. This is well represented in the narrative of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15, who exemplifies the urgency of calling out for mercy. Her approach signifies the heart of true repentance and faith, elements that are indispensable for receiving salvation. Furthermore, as Christians, we are called to intercede for our loved ones, persistently seeking mercy not only for ourselves but also on behalf of those who are lost. This fervent plea reflects a deep understanding of our desperate need for grace amidst a world that often overlooks it.
Matthew 15:21-28, Ezekiel 16:4-6
We can pray for mercy by coming humbly before the Lord, acknowledging our need for His grace, and persistently seeking His help.
To pray for mercy as the Canaanite woman did involves a heartfelt and earnest approach to God. In her desperation, she did not shy away from expressing her needs before the Lord, clearly stating, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David.' This exemplifies the essence of effective prayer: recognizing who God is and our own helplessness. True prayer for mercy is marked by humility, acknowledging that we and those we pray for are undeserving of anything good from God. It also entails persistence; the woman's unwavering cry demonstrates the importance of not giving up in our prayers. We must approach the throne of grace with confidence, believing that God hears our cries and is willing to respond with mercy as we intercede for ourselves and others.
Matthew 15:22, Hebrews 4:16, Luke 18:1
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!