Matthew 15:21-28
“An Anonymous Woman From Sidon”
It is not easy to ask for help, especially when you are not able to do anything in return.
Last week we talked about risk taking on the water. Today we come across a woman who took the risk. She is an anonymous Canaanite lady from the town of Sidon, presently in the southern part of Lebanon.
Incidentally, Sidon and Tyre are two cities, where the vast majority of the population is Muslim. I myself have been on the board of a 1000-student Evangelical school in Tyre where the Good News is preached and the Bible is taught to all students. There are also some Christian missions in the area, who have been there for many years. It is worthwhile to know that lately a British missionary received a threat letter asking him to leave the country. About two years ago, extremists murdered Bonnie Witherall, an American missionary, who was working in a clinic. These people are risking their lives. They are “walking on the water.”
Coming back to the Canaanite woman on the story, we find her a risk taker for the following reasons:
She spoke to a man. In those days women would not speak to men.
She was a Canaanite talking to a Jew. This was another taboo.
She was ready to humbly come to Jesus asking for help.
Some years ago Quincy Jones, the renowned performer, composer and producer recorded a hit called “We are the World.” He brought together top pop singers of the time like Diana Ross, Kenney Rogers, Lionel Ritchie and many others. Do you know how he persuaded them to come together and work as a team? He put a sign at the entry of the studio: “Check your ego at the door.”
This Canaanite lady reached Jesus. She did leave her ego behind. She begged Jesus. She even called him Kurios, (Lord), Son of David, meaning Messiah.
We have a lot to learn from the anonymous Canaanite woman.
Find the rest about her in the English sermon!