1 00:00:00,470 --> 00:00:03,190 Speaker 1: Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will 2 00:00:03,230 --> 00:00:09,590 Speaker 1: be saved. Romans 10.13 Gracious Lord, we thank you for 3 00:00:09,630 --> 00:00:12,850 Speaker 1: the promise that everyone who calls on your name will 4 00:00:12,869 --> 00:00:18,590 Speaker 1: be saved. Your love knows no boundaries. Your grace extends 5 00:00:18,640 --> 00:00:21,560 Speaker 1: to all who seek you. We are in awe of 6 00:00:21,579 --> 00:00:26,139 Speaker 1: your mercy, and we call upon you now, trusting in 7 00:00:26,180 --> 00:00:31,890 Speaker 1: your saving power. In moments of doubt, and fear, remind 8 00:00:31,990 --> 00:00:35,130 Speaker 1: us of the hope that we have in you. Save 9 00:00:35,210 --> 00:00:41,010 Speaker 1: us from our troubles, our sins, and our despair. Fill 10 00:00:41,090 --> 00:00:45,500 Speaker 1: us with the assurance that you are near, ready to 11 00:00:45,640 --> 00:00:50,020 Speaker 1: rescue and redeem. Help us to live in the confidence 12 00:00:50,360 --> 00:00:55,620 Speaker 1: of your salvation, sharing this hope with others, so they 13 00:00:55,700 --> 00:01:00,980 Speaker 1: too may call upon you and be saved. In Jesus' 14 00:01:01,060 --> 00:01:07,000 Speaker 1: name we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. 15 00:01:08,260 --> 00:01:12,540 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for a 16 00:01:12,580 --> 00:01:18,110 Speaker 1: dark story about Jesus and demons. If you've gleaned anything 17 00:01:18,190 --> 00:01:21,170 Speaker 1: from this podcast, we'd love it if you left a 18 00:01:21,209 --> 00:01:23,290 Speaker 1: review and shared it with a friend. 19 00:01:25,069 --> 00:01:28,330 Speaker 2: Click the link in the description to grow closer to God. There, 20 00:01:28,490 --> 00:01:32,000 Speaker 2: you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, sleep stories, and so 21 00:01:32,040 --> 00:01:35,459 Speaker 2: much more, all on the Pray.com app. Click the link 22 00:01:35,480 --> 00:01:36,900 Speaker 2: in the description to get started. 23 00:01:39,880 --> 00:01:43,660 Speaker 1: Eliah ran through the orchard as her mother Josephine gathered 24 00:01:43,740 --> 00:01:47,840 Speaker 1: grapes from the ground. She rifled through the rotting fruits 25 00:01:47,920 --> 00:01:50,480 Speaker 1: to find the few that were still good enough to 26 00:01:50,550 --> 00:01:54,070 Speaker 1: sustain the pair. She had fought against the struggles of 27 00:01:54,150 --> 00:01:58,920 Speaker 1: poverty for many years. and now found peace in the 28 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:02,930 Speaker 1: quietness of gleaning the fields as her daughter played in 29 00:02:02,950 --> 00:02:08,410 Speaker 1: the crunching leaves underfoot. It wasn't elegant work, but the 30 00:02:08,430 --> 00:02:12,890 Speaker 1: mother had placed her pride aside long ago. Her ego 31 00:02:13,770 --> 00:02:17,250 Speaker 1: had been replaced by her profound affection for her daughter. 32 00:02:18,160 --> 00:02:20,960 Speaker 1: Josephine shifted her basket from one hip to the other 33 00:02:21,880 --> 00:02:25,100 Speaker 1: as she spied her daughter sneak off down another row. 34 00:02:26,330 --> 00:02:30,280 Speaker 1: She could hear her childish giggles carrying up through the 35 00:02:30,340 --> 00:02:34,040 Speaker 1: thick branches of the trees and smiled as she began 36 00:02:34,060 --> 00:02:38,660 Speaker 1: to hum to herself. Elia's innocent mischief was like a 37 00:02:38,760 --> 00:02:42,460 Speaker 1: song to the tired mother's heart, giving her the energy 38 00:02:42,660 --> 00:02:45,100 Speaker 1: she needed to press on through the day. 39 00:02:45,540 --> 00:02:46,700 Speaker 3: Don't go far, my love. 40 00:02:47,560 --> 00:02:51,380 Speaker 1: Josephine called out with a soft chuckle, knowing that Elia 41 00:02:51,470 --> 00:02:54,190 Speaker 1: needed the comfort of the nearness of her mother as 42 00:02:54,250 --> 00:02:56,710 Speaker 1: much as she needed the comfort of of the nearness 43 00:02:56,770 --> 00:03:00,910 Speaker 1: of her daughter. Josephine worked through the heat until her 44 00:03:00,990 --> 00:03:05,530 Speaker 1: basket was nearly full. She stretched her stiff back and 45 00:03:05,750 --> 00:03:10,800 Speaker 1: closed her eyes. The warm breeze enveloped her face as 46 00:03:10,840 --> 00:03:14,900 Speaker 1: beads of sweat cooled on her brow. She opened her 47 00:03:15,120 --> 00:03:17,600 Speaker 1: eyes as she wiped her face with the corner of 48 00:03:17,660 --> 00:03:21,650 Speaker 1: her dress. She called out for Aliyah in preparation to 49 00:03:21,690 --> 00:03:24,550 Speaker 1: return home, but she heard no reply. 50 00:03:25,280 --> 00:03:25,900 Speaker 4: Elia! 51 00:03:26,580 --> 00:03:29,660 Speaker 3: Hurry back, my precious girl. It's almost time for supper. 52 00:03:30,200 --> 00:03:33,620 Speaker 1: The lack of response didn't worry her. She was used 53 00:03:33,639 --> 00:03:37,500 Speaker 1: to her daughter's playfulness. But her heart began to panic 54 00:03:37,940 --> 00:03:41,730 Speaker 1: when she didn't hear the telltale sign of Elias' laughter. 55 00:03:42,390 --> 00:03:47,010 Speaker 3: Elia, please. It's time to go. Don't worry your mother 56 00:03:47,050 --> 00:03:47,570 Speaker 3: like this. 57 00:03:48,430 --> 00:03:51,930 Speaker 1: Josephine heard the rustling of leaves a few yards off. 58 00:03:53,130 --> 00:03:57,740 Speaker 1: A young child screamed shot up through the orchard. Josephine 59 00:03:57,780 --> 00:04:00,700 Speaker 1: dropped her basket to the ground as apples rolled in 60 00:04:00,840 --> 00:04:04,520 Speaker 1: every direction. She bolted toward the direction of the cry, 61 00:04:05,460 --> 00:04:07,800 Speaker 1: feeling as though her legs were moving faster than her 62 00:04:07,940 --> 00:04:11,440 Speaker 1: feet could keep up with. She broke into a small 63 00:04:11,530 --> 00:04:17,010 Speaker 1: clearing and saw Aliyah lying on the ground. Her hair 64 00:04:17,089 --> 00:04:19,770 Speaker 1: was strewn about her face as she lie in a 65 00:04:19,850 --> 00:04:23,910 Speaker 1: pile of brown leaves. The dirt had been kicked up 66 00:04:24,339 --> 00:04:27,160 Speaker 1: like Aliyah had been caught in a fight before her fall. 67 00:04:28,060 --> 00:04:31,980 Speaker 1: Josephine ran to her daughter and stroked her cheek. She 68 00:04:32,080 --> 00:04:35,740 Speaker 1: pressed her head against Aliyah's chest. She could hear the 69 00:04:35,779 --> 00:04:39,640 Speaker 1: faint beating of a heart. She gasped a sigh of relief. 70 00:04:40,450 --> 00:04:43,789 Speaker 1: But fear was far from gone for the concerned mother. 71 00:04:44,850 --> 00:04:47,630 Speaker 1: She called to Aliyah as she laid in her arms. 72 00:04:48,610 --> 00:04:54,300 Speaker 1: The girl didn't move. Josephine gently shook her daughter. as 73 00:04:54,320 --> 00:04:57,760 Speaker 1: though trying to stir her from a deep sleep. She 74 00:04:57,800 --> 00:05:02,200 Speaker 1: began to shake her harder. Elia's limp body shook like 75 00:05:02,250 --> 00:05:06,090 Speaker 1: a rag doll. A hope began to drain from her face. 76 00:05:07,210 --> 00:05:11,070 Speaker 1: Josephine shrieked with all of her might, hoping someone would 77 00:05:11,170 --> 00:05:16,109 Speaker 1: come and rescue her daughter. As Josephine began to sob, 78 00:05:17,130 --> 00:05:22,100 Speaker 1: a raspy breath of air glided over Elia's lips, like 79 00:05:22,160 --> 00:05:23,339 Speaker 1: she was trying to speak. 80 00:05:24,130 --> 00:05:27,570 Speaker 3: My baby, please wake up. Please. 81 00:05:28,470 --> 00:05:32,910 Speaker 1: Elia's dress was soaked with her mother's tears. As Josephine 82 00:05:33,050 --> 00:05:38,290 Speaker 1: continued to caress her hair, Elia's eyes sprang open. She 83 00:05:38,330 --> 00:05:42,789 Speaker 1: began to breathe heavily, panting like a dog. Her eyes 84 00:05:43,210 --> 00:05:48,440 Speaker 1: remained open, but appeared lifeless as the little girl stared 85 00:05:48,650 --> 00:05:52,650 Speaker 1: off into space. Her neck snapped as she shot a 86 00:05:52,750 --> 00:05:57,610 Speaker 1: penetrating glare at Josephine. The girl strained for air and 87 00:05:57,670 --> 00:06:01,250 Speaker 1: tried to talk again. She could hardly muster up a groan. 88 00:06:02,130 --> 00:06:06,790 Speaker 1: Then her body began to convulse as her limbs contorted 89 00:06:07,130 --> 00:06:12,850 Speaker 1: in unnatural directions. Josephine wrapped Aliyah in her arms, binding 90 00:06:12,930 --> 00:06:17,810 Speaker 1: her movement like a straitjacket. She continued to sob as 91 00:06:17,850 --> 00:06:20,600 Speaker 1: she lifted her daughter from the earth. and began running 92 00:06:20,700 --> 00:06:25,260 Speaker 1: to the town. Josephine banged on every door in desperation. 93 00:06:25,880 --> 00:06:28,979 Speaker 1: She begged anyone who was willing to listen to help her. 94 00:06:29,380 --> 00:06:32,420 Speaker 3: You must help. Please, I beg of you. My daughter, 95 00:06:32,440 --> 00:06:33,740 Speaker 3: she's unwell. 96 00:06:34,400 --> 00:06:37,510 Speaker 1: But every household was as helpless to cure the little 97 00:06:37,529 --> 00:06:42,510 Speaker 1: girl as the next. Physically, Aliyah was completely fine, and 98 00:06:42,570 --> 00:06:45,729 Speaker 1: as a result, there was little anyone could do. Her 99 00:06:45,830 --> 00:06:51,089 Speaker 1: illness ran deeper. Her soul was plagued with an evil 100 00:06:51,190 --> 00:06:55,799 Speaker 1: that refused to let her go. Dejected, Josephine slowly made 101 00:06:55,830 --> 00:07:00,279 Speaker 1: her way back home, leaving her hope behind her. She 102 00:07:00,380 --> 00:07:04,780 Speaker 1: carried nothing more than her daughter's frail body. Each step 103 00:07:04,860 --> 00:07:09,760 Speaker 1: led her away from the life she once loved. Josephine 104 00:07:09,860 --> 00:07:13,960 Speaker 1: spent many long nights tending to her daughter. She would 105 00:07:14,020 --> 00:07:18,850 Speaker 1: press damp cloths upon her forehead through violent fevers, and 106 00:07:18,890 --> 00:07:22,440 Speaker 1: hold her down with a firm tenderness when the convulsions 107 00:07:22,720 --> 00:07:27,720 Speaker 1: started back up. Josephine could feel herself growing helpless with 108 00:07:27,800 --> 00:07:32,520 Speaker 1: every passing hour. As Aliyah slipped into a rare bout 109 00:07:32,560 --> 00:07:36,310 Speaker 1: of sleep, Josephine reclined in the bed next to her. 110 00:07:37,310 --> 00:07:40,929 Speaker 1: She sighed and stared out the window at the night sky, 111 00:07:41,610 --> 00:07:46,130 Speaker 1: speckled with shimmering stars. The dazzling array reminded her of 112 00:07:46,210 --> 00:07:49,780 Speaker 1: stories she had heard as a young girl, Stories of 113 00:07:49,820 --> 00:07:53,640 Speaker 1: the God of the Jews, who had promised provision to 114 00:07:53,680 --> 00:07:58,200 Speaker 1: his people. Though she was a Gentile, she wondered if 115 00:07:58,240 --> 00:08:00,480 Speaker 1: the God who was said to be full of love 116 00:08:01,380 --> 00:08:05,760 Speaker 1: might have some to spare for her and her little girl. 117 00:08:12,850 --> 00:08:17,350 Speaker 4: Jesus' words aren't always easy to hear or understand. But 118 00:08:17,380 --> 00:08:20,530 Speaker 4: if we're faithful to press in and peel back the layers, 119 00:08:21,050 --> 00:08:24,650 Speaker 4: we will always find something rich and beautiful. Welcome to 120 00:08:24,670 --> 00:08:27,570 Speaker 4: the Jesus Podcast. We're spending the first couple weeks in 121 00:08:27,650 --> 00:08:32,650 Speaker 4: October exploring Jesus' authority over demons. We want Christ's light 122 00:08:32,750 --> 00:08:36,829 Speaker 4: illuminated during a season when darkness is celebrated. Take a 123 00:08:36,850 --> 00:08:39,610 Speaker 4: moment today to share this podcast with a friend. We 124 00:08:39,650 --> 00:08:42,719 Speaker 4: want everyone to be exposed to the power and presence 125 00:08:42,750 --> 00:08:45,900 Speaker 4: of Jesus. Today, we're diving into a story that might 126 00:08:45,960 --> 00:08:49,060 Speaker 4: make you raise an eyebrow or two. It's a story 127 00:08:49,120 --> 00:08:52,900 Speaker 4: inspired by Matthew chapter 15, verses 21 through 28. It 128 00:08:53,300 --> 00:08:58,080 Speaker 4: includes a desperate mother, a seemingly unresponsive Jesus, and yes, 129 00:08:58,540 --> 00:09:00,280 Speaker 4: a conversation about demons. 130 00:09:03,220 --> 00:09:05,870 Speaker 1: Jesus rested in a home in the region of Tyre 131 00:09:05,900 --> 00:09:10,929 Speaker 1: and Sidon, enjoying a brief moment of anonymity. He was 132 00:09:10,950 --> 00:09:14,030 Speaker 1: in the land of the Gentiles. a place where a 133 00:09:14,070 --> 00:09:19,150 Speaker 1: Jewish rabbi would never be found. However, Jesus did not 134 00:09:19,250 --> 00:09:23,069 Speaker 1: follow such prejudiced traditions. He knew that the love of 135 00:09:23,150 --> 00:09:28,530 Speaker 1: God would eventually reach the nations of the Gentiles. However, 136 00:09:28,610 --> 00:09:34,810 Speaker 1: for now, his mission was focused on the Hebrews. He 137 00:09:34,850 --> 00:09:37,910 Speaker 1: had entered the house of a faithful follower, but did 138 00:09:37,970 --> 00:09:41,920 Speaker 1: not want anyone to know he was staying there. He 139 00:09:41,960 --> 00:09:46,020 Speaker 1: was content to be alone with his disciples and pour 140 00:09:46,100 --> 00:09:50,679 Speaker 1: into them the wisdom of God. He needed them ready 141 00:09:51,100 --> 00:09:56,540 Speaker 1: and prepared for the coming days. However, Jesus' fame had 142 00:09:56,660 --> 00:10:01,400 Speaker 1: stretched beyond the borders of Judea. Before Jesus could even 143 00:10:01,480 --> 00:10:08,340 Speaker 1: raise his feet to rest, the door knocked relentlessly. Jesus 144 00:10:08,420 --> 00:10:12,450 Speaker 1: walked to the door and opened it softly. A genteel 145 00:10:12,510 --> 00:10:17,949 Speaker 1: woman stood at the entrance, holding her daughter in her arms. 146 00:10:19,840 --> 00:10:24,140 Speaker 1: The little girl was stirring and grunting. Her eyes were 147 00:10:24,200 --> 00:10:27,520 Speaker 1: rolled back and she screamed at the sight of Jesus. 148 00:10:29,370 --> 00:10:33,890 Speaker 1: It was clear she was possessed by a demon. The 149 00:10:33,929 --> 00:10:38,330 Speaker 1: woman fell to her knees, holding her daughter up to Jesus. 150 00:10:39,570 --> 00:10:44,620 Speaker 1: Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded with Jesus. You! 151 00:10:45,640 --> 00:10:47,340 Speaker 3: Are you the teacher from Nazareth? 152 00:10:48,230 --> 00:10:51,010 Speaker 1: Jesus bent down and placed a gentle hand on the 153 00:10:51,050 --> 00:10:55,809 Speaker 1: girl's clammy forehead. Aliyah jerked at his touch and gnashed 154 00:10:55,830 --> 00:11:00,490 Speaker 1: her teeth violently. She let out a shriek, but Jesus 155 00:11:00,570 --> 00:11:05,189 Speaker 1: stood his ground. He stood upright and looked intently at 156 00:11:05,250 --> 00:11:10,420 Speaker 1: Josephine without saying a word. The desperate mother continued with 157 00:11:10,460 --> 00:11:10,820 Speaker 1: her plea. 158 00:11:11,940 --> 00:11:17,360 Speaker 3: Please, you are said to have power from heaven. Please. 159 00:11:18,630 --> 00:11:22,750 Speaker 3: Cast this demon out of my child. I can't watch 160 00:11:22,790 --> 00:11:26,770 Speaker 3: her suffer any longer. My heart is breaking. 161 00:11:27,630 --> 00:11:34,290 Speaker 1: Josephine broke into sobs once again, unable to utter another word. Jesus' 162 00:11:34,370 --> 00:11:40,410 Speaker 1: heart was moved with compassion, but his body remained unmoved 163 00:11:40,700 --> 00:11:44,360 Speaker 1: in the open doorway, looking down at the woman with 164 00:11:44,380 --> 00:11:47,010 Speaker 1: a placid gaze. Do you not know that I need 165 00:11:47,050 --> 00:11:49,689 Speaker 1: to feed the children before allowing the puppies a chance 166 00:11:49,730 --> 00:11:52,570 Speaker 1: to eat? Why would I give the children's food to them? 167 00:11:53,190 --> 00:11:56,770 Speaker 1: Jesus spoke of his mission to the Jews over the Gentiles. 168 00:11:57,630 --> 00:12:02,750 Speaker 1: The Jews notoriously referred to Gentiles as dogs, but Jesus 169 00:12:02,830 --> 00:12:07,270 Speaker 1: chose a more enduring term, puppies. However, the air of 170 00:12:07,330 --> 00:12:12,990 Speaker 1: separation remained. Jesus' questions came off as offensive to the woman. 171 00:12:13,750 --> 00:12:17,280 Speaker 1: but his tone relayed a message that carried no judgment, 172 00:12:18,000 --> 00:12:20,760 Speaker 1: just a point of truth meant to help the woman 173 00:12:20,860 --> 00:12:24,970 Speaker 1: see the complexity of her request. He, of course, was 174 00:12:25,040 --> 00:12:30,530 Speaker 1: referring to his mission toward the Jews before the Gentiles. Still, 175 00:12:31,230 --> 00:12:35,480 Speaker 1: the woman winced at Jesus' reply. She knew that she 176 00:12:35,510 --> 00:12:39,970 Speaker 1: was a Gentile. There was no escaping her birth. However, 177 00:12:40,050 --> 00:12:44,110 Speaker 1: deep down, she knew her birth did not disqualify her 178 00:12:44,710 --> 00:12:48,630 Speaker 1: from the grace Jesus offered. She looked up at him 179 00:12:49,740 --> 00:12:54,720 Speaker 1: and risked pressing the issue. She wasn't pleading for personal gain. 180 00:12:55,600 --> 00:12:59,319 Speaker 1: Her faith had led her to Jesus in the hopes 181 00:12:59,380 --> 00:13:01,559 Speaker 1: of seeing her daughter made well. 182 00:13:02,100 --> 00:13:04,979 Speaker 3: That may be so, my lord, but even the pups 183 00:13:05,059 --> 00:13:07,500 Speaker 3: are allowed under the table to eat the crumbs that fall. 184 00:13:08,260 --> 00:13:14,840 Speaker 1: Jesus nodded. Amazed at the woman's persistence and tact, he 185 00:13:14,880 --> 00:13:17,760 Speaker 1: knelt down and laid his hand on the girl's head again. 186 00:13:18,640 --> 00:13:23,540 Speaker 1: Her gaze would not meet his. She thrashed her head 187 00:13:23,690 --> 00:13:27,630 Speaker 1: and grunted in her mother's arms. Jesus had come to 188 00:13:27,670 --> 00:13:31,449 Speaker 1: fulfill the salvation to the Jews first, but in his 189 00:13:31,750 --> 00:13:36,390 Speaker 1: unrelenting love, he would of course not allow this woman 190 00:13:36,450 --> 00:13:40,809 Speaker 1: to leave without healing her daughter. He looked at the woman, 191 00:13:41,450 --> 00:13:44,569 Speaker 1: then back at the girl. For the first time since 192 00:13:44,610 --> 00:13:50,390 Speaker 1: her arrival, the mother saw Jesus' warm smile. For your statement, 193 00:13:50,710 --> 00:13:54,230 Speaker 1: you may leave in peace. The demon has left your daughter. 194 00:13:54,850 --> 00:13:58,150 Speaker 1: Josephine looked down just in time to see Elias' sparkling 195 00:13:58,330 --> 00:14:02,620 Speaker 1: eyes open. No longer did she see the lifeless gaze 196 00:14:03,170 --> 00:14:07,820 Speaker 1: that haunted her dreams. She was staring into her baby's 197 00:14:07,960 --> 00:14:13,450 Speaker 1: dazzling green eyes. which were sweetly staring back at her. 198 00:14:14,290 --> 00:14:17,609 Speaker 1: Aliyah choked on a cough and tried to lift her head, 199 00:14:18,429 --> 00:14:21,710 Speaker 1: but her weariness pulled her back down into her mother's arms. 200 00:14:22,310 --> 00:14:27,600 Speaker 3: My baby! Oh, sweet child! Rest your head. You have 201 00:14:27,640 --> 00:14:31,979 Speaker 3: been through so much. You are the strongest person I 202 00:14:32,040 --> 00:14:33,040 Speaker 3: have ever known. 203 00:14:33,680 --> 00:14:37,970 Speaker 1: Josephine's teary eyes moved from her child to the healer. 204 00:14:39,070 --> 00:14:41,690 Speaker 1: It was as though his mere presence was enough to 205 00:14:41,750 --> 00:14:47,070 Speaker 1: bring her absolute peace beyond her own understanding. All the 206 00:14:47,150 --> 00:14:51,170 Speaker 1: long days and nights of watching her child struggle with 207 00:14:51,190 --> 00:14:57,040 Speaker 1: the demon melted away, now feeling like nothing more than 208 00:14:57,080 --> 00:14:58,200 Speaker 1: a distant memory. 209 00:14:58,760 --> 00:15:01,940 Speaker 3: Thank you. Blessed be your name, O Lord. 210 00:15:02,660 --> 00:15:08,620 Speaker 1: The words were broken, but genuine. Josephine had believed in Jesus' power. 211 00:15:09,390 --> 00:15:11,810 Speaker 1: And it was her faith that made her daughter well. 212 00:15:12,750 --> 00:15:16,520 Speaker 1: Staring into the eyes of Jesus, the grateful mother was 213 00:15:16,620 --> 00:15:21,360 Speaker 1: sure that the God of Israel had indeed looked down 214 00:15:21,500 --> 00:15:25,600 Speaker 1: upon her and had poured out his boundless love. 215 00:15:26,080 --> 00:15:27,600 Speaker 3: You're welcome, daughter. 216 00:15:28,240 --> 00:15:33,460 Speaker 1: Daughter, the word rang in Josephine's mind, working its way 217 00:15:34,040 --> 00:15:37,450 Speaker 1: down to her heart. It had been a long time 218 00:15:37,570 --> 00:15:40,970 Speaker 1: since she had felt the comfort of a father. She 219 00:15:41,030 --> 00:15:44,930 Speaker 1: wrapped her hand around her own daughter's cheek. The little 220 00:15:44,960 --> 00:15:48,620 Speaker 1: girl had fallen asleep, and for the first time in weeks, 221 00:15:49,340 --> 00:15:53,820 Speaker 1: she seemed tranquil, like an innocent lamb lying down by 222 00:15:53,900 --> 00:15:58,280 Speaker 1: still waters. She pressed her lips to her forehead and 223 00:15:58,320 --> 00:16:03,480 Speaker 1: gave her a gentle kiss. Elia's eyes slowly opened as 224 00:16:03,520 --> 00:16:08,450 Speaker 1: she greeted her mother, with a delicate smile. The disciples 225 00:16:08,530 --> 00:16:13,510 Speaker 1: happily watched the scene in silence. They too knew what 226 00:16:13,550 --> 00:16:17,380 Speaker 1: it was like to be accepted by God, despite feelings 227 00:16:17,660 --> 00:16:22,520 Speaker 1: of inadequacy. Watching Jesus break down the walls of division 228 00:16:22,820 --> 00:16:28,120 Speaker 1: between nations and peoples was a true miracle. They knew 229 00:16:28,200 --> 00:16:31,600 Speaker 1: they were in the presence of someone far greater than 230 00:16:31,660 --> 00:16:35,860 Speaker 1: they could ever have imagined. And perhaps this wasn't the 231 00:16:35,940 --> 00:16:40,650 Speaker 1: anonymity Jesus had hoped for. But it was the very 232 00:16:40,810 --> 00:16:44,950 Speaker 1: work he had expected. He had come to set the 233 00:16:45,050 --> 00:16:51,590 Speaker 1: captives free, both Jew and Gentile. Andrew stood to his 234 00:16:51,630 --> 00:16:54,320 Speaker 1: feet and walked the mother and daughter to the door. 235 00:16:55,340 --> 00:16:58,580 Speaker 1: As Jesus made his way back to the table and 236 00:16:58,660 --> 00:17:02,760 Speaker 1: landed softly in his chair once more, he raised his 237 00:17:02,860 --> 00:17:06,879 Speaker 1: cup to his lips gently. taking a small sip of wine. 238 00:17:08,280 --> 00:17:11,780 Speaker 1: As the door slowly creaked closed behind the mother and daughter, 239 00:17:12,740 --> 00:17:17,560 Speaker 1: the group could hear a faint giggle outside as two 240 00:17:17,700 --> 00:17:23,699 Speaker 1: small feet landed on the ground. Tiny footsteps raced up 241 00:17:23,770 --> 00:17:28,889 Speaker 1: the street with the light-hearted daughter and a relieved mother 242 00:17:29,410 --> 00:17:30,150 Speaker 1: following after. 243 00:17:32,790 --> 00:17:36,209 Speaker 4: Jesus ventures into the region of Tyre and Sidon, the 244 00:17:36,250 --> 00:17:38,810 Speaker 4: place you'd probably avoid if you were a devout Jew 245 00:17:38,869 --> 00:17:41,450 Speaker 4: of the time. Think of it as the wrong side 246 00:17:41,470 --> 00:17:45,150 Speaker 4: of the tracks. He's met by a Canaanite woman, a Gentile, 247 00:17:45,369 --> 00:17:48,090 Speaker 4: who cries out, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son 248 00:17:48,130 --> 00:17:53,200 Speaker 4: of David. My daughter is severely demon-possessed. Now, let's pause here. 249 00:17:53,700 --> 00:17:58,000 Speaker 4: This woman crosses cultural and religious boundaries to seek Jesus. 250 00:17:58,560 --> 00:18:01,060 Speaker 4: She's a mother on a mission, and nothing is going 251 00:18:01,080 --> 00:18:04,959 Speaker 4: to stop her Not even centuries of animosity between Jews 252 00:18:05,160 --> 00:18:08,810 Speaker 4: and Canaanites. But how does Jesus respond? He answered her 253 00:18:08,910 --> 00:18:09,590 Speaker 4: not a word. 254 00:18:10,250 --> 00:18:10,470 Speaker 1: Ouch. 255 00:18:11,030 --> 00:18:14,530 Speaker 4: Ever sent a text and got left unread? Multiply that 256 00:18:14,609 --> 00:18:18,109 Speaker 4: feeling by a thousand. Even the disciples urged Jesus to 257 00:18:18,170 --> 00:18:22,000 Speaker 4: send her away. They're annoyed by her persistence. When Jesus 258 00:18:22,080 --> 00:18:25,500 Speaker 4: finally speaks, he says, I was not sent except the 259 00:18:25,540 --> 00:18:28,980 Speaker 4: lost sheep of the house of Israel. Translation, you're not 260 00:18:29,060 --> 00:18:32,740 Speaker 4: on my current agenda. It seems harsh, doesn't it? But 261 00:18:32,760 --> 00:18:36,520 Speaker 4: hold on, there's more beneath the surface. Undeterred, the woman 262 00:18:36,660 --> 00:18:40,300 Speaker 4: worships him, saying, Lord, help me. She drops the formalities 263 00:18:40,380 --> 00:18:43,830 Speaker 4: and gets straight to the point. Jesus replies, it is 264 00:18:43,900 --> 00:18:46,530 Speaker 4: not good to take the children's bread and throw it 265 00:18:46,570 --> 00:18:49,510 Speaker 4: to the little dogs. Did Jesus just call her a dog? 266 00:18:50,030 --> 00:18:53,670 Speaker 4: Before you clutch your pearls, understand that the term little 267 00:18:53,710 --> 00:18:58,270 Speaker 4: dogs softens the blow. It's more like saying puppies. He's 268 00:18:58,350 --> 00:19:03,830 Speaker 4: testing her faith. drawing something deeper out of her. She retorts, Yes, Lord, 269 00:19:04,030 --> 00:19:06,530 Speaker 4: yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall 270 00:19:06,570 --> 00:19:11,409 Speaker 4: from their master's table. Touché! She's essentially saying, Even a 271 00:19:11,530 --> 00:19:15,490 Speaker 4: crumb of your power can heal my daughter. Her wit, humility, 272 00:19:15,920 --> 00:19:19,619 Speaker 4: and faith are on full display. Now, let's focus on 273 00:19:19,660 --> 00:19:24,680 Speaker 4: the demon aspect. Her daughter is severely demon-possessed. In those days, 274 00:19:25,080 --> 00:19:28,380 Speaker 4: demon possession was a way to describe severe physical or 275 00:19:28,520 --> 00:19:33,990 Speaker 4: mental afflictions. Whether you interpret this literally or metaphorically, the 276 00:19:34,050 --> 00:19:38,880 Speaker 4: point is that her daughter is in desperate need of deliverance. Demons, 277 00:19:39,040 --> 00:19:46,250 Speaker 4: in this context, represent anything that torments us. Addictions, fears, doubts, prejudices, 278 00:19:46,730 --> 00:19:50,520 Speaker 4: or even literal demons. This mother's battle is not just 279 00:19:50,619 --> 00:19:54,699 Speaker 4: against a spiritual entity, but against barriers that society has 280 00:19:54,800 --> 00:19:59,229 Speaker 4: placed between her and Jesus. What makes this story remarkable 281 00:19:59,330 --> 00:20:03,250 Speaker 4: is that a Gentile woman recognizes Jesus as Lord and 282 00:20:03,570 --> 00:20:09,340 Speaker 4: Son of David. Titles packed with Jewish messianic expectations, Meanwhile, 283 00:20:09,440 --> 00:20:14,920 Speaker 4: the religious insiders are often clueless or skeptical. Jesus commends her, saying, 284 00:20:15,420 --> 00:20:18,199 Speaker 4: O woman, great is your faith. Let it be to 285 00:20:18,240 --> 00:20:22,070 Speaker 4: you as you desire. Her daughter is healed that very hour. 286 00:20:22,830 --> 00:20:26,530 Speaker 4: Her persistence pays off, and a generational curse is broken. 287 00:20:27,190 --> 00:20:30,550 Speaker 4: How can we apply this story to ourselves today? First, 288 00:20:30,869 --> 00:20:34,890 Speaker 4: let's have persistent faith that transcends boundaries. Are we willing 289 00:20:34,930 --> 00:20:37,660 Speaker 4: to cross societal lines for the sake of those we love? 290 00:20:38,140 --> 00:20:42,899 Speaker 4: This woman didn't let cultural norms prevent her from seeking Jesus. Second, 291 00:20:43,359 --> 00:20:47,290 Speaker 4: embrace humility and wit. This woman doesn't argue or get 292 00:20:47,330 --> 00:20:52,350 Speaker 4: offended at Jesus. Instead, she cleverly engages him. Sometimes, a 293 00:20:52,390 --> 00:20:57,550 Speaker 4: humble heart speaks louder than a loud mouth. Next, identifying 294 00:20:57,690 --> 00:21:01,740 Speaker 4: our demons. What are the modern-day demons tormenting us or 295 00:21:01,900 --> 00:21:07,000 Speaker 4: our loved ones? Mental health struggles, substance abuse, deep-seated anger, 296 00:21:07,490 --> 00:21:11,370 Speaker 4: recognize these things and bring them to Jesus. And remember, 297 00:21:11,810 --> 00:21:16,429 Speaker 4: God's purpose is bigger than our plans. Jesus' initial reluctance 298 00:21:16,490 --> 00:21:20,480 Speaker 4: wasn't rejection, but a setup for a greater revelation that 299 00:21:20,560 --> 00:21:24,100 Speaker 4: His mission includes all of us. This story teaches us 300 00:21:24,160 --> 00:21:27,460 Speaker 4: that even the crumbs of Jesus' power are sufficient to 301 00:21:27,600 --> 00:21:31,720 Speaker 4: overcome our greatest challenges. The woman's daughter was healed, not 302 00:21:31,760 --> 00:21:36,020 Speaker 4: because of entitlement, but because of faith. So, whether you 303 00:21:36,040 --> 00:21:39,459 Speaker 4: feel like an outsider or or someone battling inner demons, 304 00:21:40,140 --> 00:21:44,200 Speaker 4: remember that Jesus' table has room for you. And sometimes, 305 00:21:44,660 --> 00:21:48,899 Speaker 4: it's the persistent, humble faith that moves mountains, or in 306 00:21:48,940 --> 00:21:52,920 Speaker 4: this case, expels demons. Let's not be afraid to approach 307 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:58,109 Speaker 4: God with boldness, wit, and unwavering faith. Who knows, you 308 00:21:58,150 --> 00:22:00,490 Speaker 4: might just find that He's been waiting for you to 309 00:22:00,570 --> 00:22:02,230 Speaker 4: take that step all along.