1 00:00:00,470 --> 00:00:03,210 Speaker 1: Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will 2 00:00:03,230 --> 00:00:09,610 Speaker 1: be saved. Romans 10.13 Gracious Lord, we thank you for 3 00:00:09,650 --> 00:00:12,870 Speaker 1: the promise that everyone who calls on your name will 4 00:00:12,890 --> 00:00:18,590 Speaker 1: be saved. Your love knows no boundaries. Your grace extends 5 00:00:18,660 --> 00:00:21,579 Speaker 1: to all who seek you. We are in awe of 6 00:00:21,600 --> 00:00:26,159 Speaker 1: your mercy, and we call upon you now, trusting in 7 00:00:26,200 --> 00:00:31,880 Speaker 1: your saving power. In moments of doubt, and fear, remind 8 00:00:31,980 --> 00:00:35,120 Speaker 1: us of the hope that we have in you. Save 9 00:00:35,220 --> 00:00:41,019 Speaker 1: us from our troubles, our sins, and our despair. Fill 10 00:00:41,100 --> 00:00:45,510 Speaker 1: us with the assurance that you are near, ready to 11 00:00:45,650 --> 00:00:50,019 Speaker 1: rescue and redeem. Help us to live in the confidence 12 00:00:50,370 --> 00:00:55,630 Speaker 1: of your salvation, sharing this hope with others, so they 13 00:00:55,710 --> 00:01:00,990 Speaker 1: too may call upon you and be saved. In Jesus' 14 00:01:01,070 --> 00:01:07,020 Speaker 1: name we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. 15 00:01:08,280 --> 00:01:12,540 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for a 16 00:01:12,600 --> 00:01:18,100 Speaker 1: dark story about Jesus and demons. If you've gleaned anything 17 00:01:18,200 --> 00:01:21,180 Speaker 1: from this podcast, we'd love it if you left a 18 00:01:21,220 --> 00:01:26,540 Speaker 1: review and shared it with a friend. Elia ran through 19 00:01:26,580 --> 00:01:30,410 Speaker 1: the orchard as her mother Josephine gathered grapes from the ground. 20 00:01:31,430 --> 00:01:34,690 Speaker 1: She rifled through the rotting fruits to find the few 21 00:01:34,750 --> 00:01:38,270 Speaker 1: that were still good enough to sustain the pair. She 22 00:01:38,310 --> 00:01:41,230 Speaker 1: had fought against the struggles of poverty for many years, 23 00:01:42,290 --> 00:01:46,140 Speaker 1: and now found peace in the quietness of gleaning the 24 00:01:46,200 --> 00:01:50,400 Speaker 1: fields as her daughter played in the crunching leaves underfoot. 25 00:01:51,600 --> 00:01:54,970 Speaker 1: It wasn't elegant work, but The mother had placed her 26 00:01:55,050 --> 00:02:00,530 Speaker 1: pride aside long ago. Her ego had been replaced by 27 00:02:00,570 --> 00:02:05,340 Speaker 1: her profound affection for her daughter. Josephine shifted her basket 28 00:02:05,420 --> 00:02:08,440 Speaker 1: from one hip to the other as she spied her 29 00:02:08,500 --> 00:02:12,780 Speaker 1: daughter sneak off down another row. She could hear her 30 00:02:12,880 --> 00:02:17,010 Speaker 1: childish giggles carrying up through the thick branches of the 31 00:02:17,070 --> 00:02:20,730 Speaker 1: trees and smiled as she began to hum to herself. 32 00:02:21,710 --> 00:02:24,880 Speaker 1: The lie as in his mischief was like a song 33 00:02:25,180 --> 00:02:28,519 Speaker 1: to the tired mother's heart, giving her the energy she 34 00:02:28,580 --> 00:02:30,820 Speaker 1: needed to press on through the day. 35 00:02:31,260 --> 00:02:32,419 Speaker 2: Don't go far, my love. 36 00:02:33,280 --> 00:02:37,109 Speaker 1: Josephine called out with a soft chuckle, knowing that Elia 37 00:02:37,169 --> 00:02:39,890 Speaker 1: needed the comfort of the nearness of her mother as 38 00:02:39,970 --> 00:02:42,550 Speaker 1: much as she needed the comfort of the nearness of 39 00:02:42,590 --> 00:02:47,170 Speaker 1: her daughter. Josephine worked through the heat until her basket 40 00:02:47,270 --> 00:02:51,840 Speaker 1: was nearly full. She stretched her stiff back and closed 41 00:02:51,880 --> 00:02:56,829 Speaker 1: her eyes. The warm breeze enveloped her face as beads 42 00:02:56,889 --> 00:03:01,070 Speaker 1: of sweat cooled on her brow. She opened her eyes 43 00:03:01,510 --> 00:03:03,829 Speaker 1: as she wiped her face with the corner of her dress. 44 00:03:05,030 --> 00:03:08,000 Speaker 1: She called out for Aliyah in preparation to return home, 45 00:03:09,160 --> 00:03:10,320 Speaker 1: but she heard no reply. 46 00:03:11,020 --> 00:03:11,640 Speaker 3: Aliyah! 47 00:03:12,320 --> 00:03:15,380 Speaker 2: Hurry back, my precious girl. It's almost time for supper. 48 00:03:15,940 --> 00:03:19,369 Speaker 1: The lack of response didn't worry her. She was used 49 00:03:19,389 --> 00:03:23,170 Speaker 1: to her daughter's playfulness, but her heart began to panic 50 00:03:23,660 --> 00:03:27,450 Speaker 1: when she didn't hear the telltale sign of Elias' laughter. 51 00:03:28,090 --> 00:03:32,730 Speaker 2: Elia, please, it's time to go. Don't worry your mother 52 00:03:32,770 --> 00:03:33,269 Speaker 2: like this. 53 00:03:34,150 --> 00:03:37,660 Speaker 1: Josephine heard the rustling of leaves a few yards off. 54 00:03:38,860 --> 00:03:43,480 Speaker 1: A young child's scream shot up through the orchard. Josephine 55 00:03:43,520 --> 00:03:46,420 Speaker 1: dropped her basket to the ground as apples rolled in 56 00:03:46,560 --> 00:03:50,170 Speaker 1: every direction. She bolted toward the direction of the cry. 57 00:03:51,190 --> 00:03:53,530 Speaker 1: feeling as though her legs were moving faster than her 58 00:03:53,670 --> 00:03:57,170 Speaker 1: feet could keep up with. She broke into a small 59 00:03:57,250 --> 00:04:02,730 Speaker 1: clearing and saw Aliyah lying on the ground. Her hair 60 00:04:02,810 --> 00:04:05,490 Speaker 1: was strewn about her face as she lay in a 61 00:04:05,570 --> 00:04:09,670 Speaker 1: pile of brown leaves. The dirt had been kicked up 62 00:04:10,070 --> 00:04:12,890 Speaker 1: like Aliyah had been caught in a fight before her fall. 63 00:04:13,790 --> 00:04:17,710 Speaker 1: Josephine ran to her daughter and stroked her cheek. She 64 00:04:17,810 --> 00:04:21,460 Speaker 1: pressed her head against Aliyah's chest. She could hear the 65 00:04:21,500 --> 00:04:25,380 Speaker 1: faint beating of a heart. She gasped a sigh of relief. 66 00:04:26,160 --> 00:04:29,480 Speaker 1: But fear was far from gone for the concerned mother. 67 00:04:30,580 --> 00:04:33,350 Speaker 1: She called to Aliyah as she laid in her arms. 68 00:04:34,350 --> 00:04:40,030 Speaker 1: The girl didn't move. Josephine gently shook her daughter, as 69 00:04:40,050 --> 00:04:43,500 Speaker 1: though trying to stir her from a deep sleep. She 70 00:04:43,540 --> 00:04:47,940 Speaker 1: began to shake her harder. Aliyah's limp body shook like 71 00:04:47,980 --> 00:04:51,760 Speaker 1: a rag doll. A hope began to drain from her face. 72 00:04:52,920 --> 00:04:56,800 Speaker 1: Josephine shrieked with all of her might, hoping someone would 73 00:04:56,880 --> 00:05:01,800 Speaker 1: come and rescue her daughter. As Josephine began to sob, 74 00:05:02,870 --> 00:05:07,810 Speaker 1: a raspy breath of air glided over Elia's lips like 75 00:05:07,870 --> 00:05:09,110 Speaker 1: she was trying to speak. 76 00:05:09,830 --> 00:05:12,029 Speaker 2: My baby, please wake up. 77 00:05:12,830 --> 00:05:13,310 Speaker 3: Please. 78 00:05:14,210 --> 00:05:18,630 Speaker 1: Elia's dress was soaked with her mother's tears. As Josephine 79 00:05:18,770 --> 00:05:24,010 Speaker 1: continued to caress her hair, Elia's eyes sprang open. She 80 00:05:24,070 --> 00:05:28,520 Speaker 1: began to breathe heavily, panting like a dog. Her eyes 81 00:05:28,960 --> 00:05:34,159 Speaker 1: remained open, but appeared lifeless as the little girl stared 82 00:05:34,380 --> 00:05:38,380 Speaker 1: off into space. Her neck snapped as she shot a 83 00:05:38,480 --> 00:05:43,350 Speaker 1: penetrating glare at Josephine. The girl strained for air and 84 00:05:43,400 --> 00:05:46,909 Speaker 1: tried to talk again. She could hardly muster up a groan. 85 00:05:47,850 --> 00:05:52,510 Speaker 1: Then her body began to convulse as her limbs contorted 86 00:05:52,850 --> 00:05:58,570 Speaker 1: in unnatural directions. Josephine wrapped Aliyah in her arms, binding 87 00:05:58,650 --> 00:06:03,540 Speaker 1: her movement like a straitjacket. She continued to sob as 88 00:06:03,580 --> 00:06:06,339 Speaker 1: she lifted her daughter from the earth and began running 89 00:06:06,420 --> 00:06:11,000 Speaker 1: to the town. Josephine banged on every door in desperation. 90 00:06:11,620 --> 00:06:14,729 Speaker 1: She begged anyone who was willing to listen to help her. 91 00:06:15,110 --> 00:06:15,870 Speaker 1: You must help. 92 00:06:16,390 --> 00:06:19,450 Speaker 2: Please, I beg of you. My daughter, she's unwell. 93 00:06:20,130 --> 00:06:23,210 Speaker 1: But every household was as helpless to cure the little 94 00:06:23,250 --> 00:06:28,210 Speaker 1: girl as the next. Physically, Aliyah was completely fine. And 95 00:06:28,290 --> 00:06:31,450 Speaker 1: as a result, there was little anyone could do. Her 96 00:06:31,550 --> 00:06:36,810 Speaker 1: illness ran deeper. Her soul was plagued with an evil 97 00:06:36,930 --> 00:06:41,539 Speaker 1: that refused to let her go. Dejected, Josephine slowly made 98 00:06:41,580 --> 00:06:45,990 Speaker 1: her way back home, leaving her hope behind her. She 99 00:06:46,089 --> 00:06:50,520 Speaker 1: carried nothing more than her daughter's frail body. Each step 100 00:06:50,580 --> 00:06:55,479 Speaker 1: led her away from the life she once loved. Josephine 101 00:06:55,580 --> 00:06:59,680 Speaker 1: spent many long nights tending to her daughter. She would 102 00:06:59,740 --> 00:07:04,580 Speaker 1: press damp cloths upon her forehead through violent fevers and 103 00:07:04,640 --> 00:07:08,170 Speaker 1: hold her down with a firm tenderness when the convulsions 104 00:07:08,450 --> 00:07:13,450 Speaker 1: started back up. Josephine could feel herself growing helpless with 105 00:07:13,530 --> 00:07:18,230 Speaker 1: every passing hour. As Aliyah slipped into a rare bout 106 00:07:18,270 --> 00:07:22,010 Speaker 1: of sleep, Josephine reclined in the bed next to her. 107 00:07:23,040 --> 00:07:26,660 Speaker 1: She sighed and stared out the window at the night sky, 108 00:07:27,320 --> 00:07:31,840 Speaker 1: speckled with shimmering stars. The dazzling array reminded her of 109 00:07:31,920 --> 00:07:35,520 Speaker 1: stories she had heard as a young girl, stories of 110 00:07:35,560 --> 00:07:39,370 Speaker 1: the God of the Jews, who had promised provision to 111 00:07:39,400 --> 00:07:43,920 Speaker 1: his people. Though she was a Gentile, She wondered if 112 00:07:43,960 --> 00:07:46,220 Speaker 1: the God who was said to be full of love 113 00:07:47,100 --> 00:07:51,500 Speaker 1: might have some to spare for her and her little girl. 114 00:07:58,560 --> 00:08:03,060 Speaker 3: Jesus' words aren't always easy to hear or understand. But 115 00:08:03,110 --> 00:08:06,270 Speaker 3: if we're faithful to press in and peel back the layers, 116 00:08:06,770 --> 00:08:10,370 Speaker 3: we will always find something rich and beautiful. Welcome to 117 00:08:10,390 --> 00:08:13,310 Speaker 3: the Jesus Podcast. We're spending the first couple weeks in 118 00:08:13,370 --> 00:08:18,370 Speaker 3: October exploring Jesus' authority over demons. We want Christ's light 119 00:08:18,470 --> 00:08:22,560 Speaker 3: illuminated during a season when darkness is celebrated. Take a 120 00:08:22,580 --> 00:08:25,340 Speaker 3: moment today to share this podcast with a friend. We 121 00:08:25,380 --> 00:08:28,440 Speaker 3: want everyone to be exposed to the power and presence 122 00:08:28,480 --> 00:08:31,640 Speaker 3: of Jesus. Today, we're diving into a story that might 123 00:08:31,700 --> 00:08:34,800 Speaker 3: make you raise an eyebrow or two. It's a story 124 00:08:34,860 --> 00:08:37,610 Speaker 3: inspired by Matthew 15, verses 21-28. It includes a desperate mother, 125 00:08:40,710 --> 00:08:46,020 Speaker 3: a seemingly unresponsive Jesus, and, yes, a conversation about demons. 126 00:08:48,960 --> 00:08:51,580 Speaker 1: Jesus rested in a home in the region of Tyre 127 00:08:51,620 --> 00:08:56,640 Speaker 1: and Sidon, enjoying a brief moment of anonymity. He was 128 00:08:56,679 --> 00:08:59,770 Speaker 1: in the land of the Gentiles, a place where a 129 00:08:59,809 --> 00:09:04,890 Speaker 1: Jewish rabbi would never be found. However, Jesus did not 130 00:09:04,990 --> 00:09:08,809 Speaker 1: follow such prejudiced traditions. He knew that the love of 131 00:09:08,870 --> 00:09:14,250 Speaker 1: God would eventually reach the nations of the Gentiles. However, 132 00:09:14,330 --> 00:09:20,560 Speaker 1: for now, his mission was focused on the Hebrews. He 133 00:09:20,580 --> 00:09:23,640 Speaker 1: had entered the house of a faithful follower, but did 134 00:09:23,700 --> 00:09:27,660 Speaker 1: not want anyone to know he was staying there. He 135 00:09:27,700 --> 00:09:31,770 Speaker 1: was content to be alone with his disciples and pour 136 00:09:31,850 --> 00:09:36,380 Speaker 1: into them the wisdom of God. He needed them ready 137 00:09:36,800 --> 00:09:42,250 Speaker 1: and prepared for the coming days. However, Jesus' fame had 138 00:09:42,390 --> 00:09:47,130 Speaker 1: stretched beyond the borders of Judea. Before Jesus could even 139 00:09:47,210 --> 00:09:54,070 Speaker 1: raise his feet to rest, the door knocked relentlessly. Jesus 140 00:09:54,130 --> 00:09:58,170 Speaker 1: walked to the door and opened it softly. A genteel 141 00:09:58,230 --> 00:10:03,670 Speaker 1: woman stood at the entrance. holding her daughter in her arms. 142 00:10:05,550 --> 00:10:09,880 Speaker 1: The little girl was stirring and grunting. Her eyes were 143 00:10:09,910 --> 00:10:13,240 Speaker 1: rolled back and she screamed at the sight of Jesus. 144 00:10:15,100 --> 00:10:19,600 Speaker 1: It was clear she was possessed by a demon. The 145 00:10:19,640 --> 00:10:24,040 Speaker 1: woman fell to her knees, holding her daughter up to Jesus. 146 00:10:25,280 --> 00:10:29,280 Speaker 1: Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded with Jesus. 147 00:10:30,040 --> 00:10:33,099 Speaker 2: You! Are you the teacher from Nazareth? 148 00:10:33,940 --> 00:10:36,740 Speaker 1: Jesus bent down and placed a gentle hand on the 149 00:10:36,780 --> 00:10:41,520 Speaker 1: girl's clammy forehead. Aliyah jerked at his touch and gnashed 150 00:10:41,570 --> 00:10:46,209 Speaker 1: her teeth violently. She let out a shriek, but Jesus 151 00:10:46,290 --> 00:10:50,910 Speaker 1: stood his ground. He stood upright, and looked intently at 152 00:10:50,970 --> 00:10:56,140 Speaker 1: Josephine without saying a word. The desperate mother continued with 153 00:10:56,179 --> 00:10:56,540 Speaker 1: her plea. 154 00:10:57,660 --> 00:11:03,120 Speaker 2: Please, you are said to have power from heaven. Please, 155 00:11:04,360 --> 00:11:08,479 Speaker 2: cast this demon out of my child. I can't watch 156 00:11:08,520 --> 00:11:12,530 Speaker 2: her suffer any longer. My heart is breaking. 157 00:11:13,370 --> 00:11:20,020 Speaker 1: Josephine broke into sobs once again, unable to utter another word. Jesus' 158 00:11:20,100 --> 00:11:26,120 Speaker 1: heart was moved with compassion, but his body remained unmoved 159 00:11:26,420 --> 00:11:30,059 Speaker 1: in the open doorway, looking down at the woman with 160 00:11:30,100 --> 00:11:32,750 Speaker 1: a placid gaze. Do you not know that I need 161 00:11:32,780 --> 00:11:35,429 Speaker 1: to feed the children before allowing the puppies a chance 162 00:11:35,470 --> 00:11:38,310 Speaker 1: to eat? Why would I give the children's food to them? 163 00:11:38,910 --> 00:11:42,510 Speaker 1: Jesus spoke of his mission to the Jews over the Gentiles. 164 00:11:43,350 --> 00:11:48,460 Speaker 1: The Jews notoriously referred to Gentiles as dogs. but Jesus 165 00:11:48,540 --> 00:11:52,989 Speaker 1: chose a more enduring term, puppies. However, the air of 166 00:11:53,050 --> 00:11:58,750 Speaker 1: separation remained. Jesus' questions came off as offensive to the woman, 167 00:11:59,490 --> 00:12:03,000 Speaker 1: but his tone relayed a message that carried no judgment, 168 00:12:03,740 --> 00:12:06,500 Speaker 1: just a point of truth meant to help the woman 169 00:12:06,600 --> 00:12:10,699 Speaker 1: see the complexity of her request. He, of course, was 170 00:12:10,780 --> 00:12:16,229 Speaker 1: referring to his mission toward the Jews before the Gentiles. Still, 171 00:12:16,929 --> 00:12:21,179 Speaker 1: the woman winced at Jesus' reply. She knew that she 172 00:12:21,220 --> 00:12:25,700 Speaker 1: was a Gentile. There was no escaping her birth. However, 173 00:12:25,780 --> 00:12:29,840 Speaker 1: deep down, she knew her birth did not disqualify her 174 00:12:30,440 --> 00:12:34,360 Speaker 1: from the grace Jesus offered. She looked up at him 175 00:12:35,460 --> 00:12:40,430 Speaker 1: and risked pressing the issue. She wasn't pleading for personal gain. 176 00:12:41,330 --> 00:12:45,040 Speaker 1: Her faith had led her to Jesus. in the hopes 177 00:12:45,100 --> 00:12:47,280 Speaker 1: of seeing her daughter made well. 178 00:12:47,800 --> 00:12:50,700 Speaker 2: That may be so, my lord, but even the pups 179 00:12:50,780 --> 00:12:53,200 Speaker 2: are allowed under the table to eat the crumbs that fall. 180 00:12:53,960 --> 00:13:00,570 Speaker 1: Jesus nodded, amazed at the woman's persistence and tact. He 181 00:13:00,610 --> 00:13:03,470 Speaker 1: knelt down and laid his hand on the girl's head again. 182 00:13:04,370 --> 00:13:09,270 Speaker 1: Her gaze would not meet his. She thrashed her head 183 00:13:09,410 --> 00:13:13,329 Speaker 1: and grunted in her mother's arms. Jesus had come to 184 00:13:13,390 --> 00:13:17,170 Speaker 1: fulfill the salvation to the Jews first, but in his 185 00:13:17,460 --> 00:13:22,120 Speaker 1: unrelenting love, he would of course not allow this woman 186 00:13:22,179 --> 00:13:26,540 Speaker 1: to leave without healing her daughter. He looked at the woman, 187 00:13:27,179 --> 00:13:30,300 Speaker 1: then back at the girl. For the first time since 188 00:13:30,340 --> 00:13:36,120 Speaker 1: her arrival, the mother saw Jesus' warm smile. For your statement, 189 00:13:36,440 --> 00:13:39,920 Speaker 1: you may leave in peace. The demon has left your daughter. 190 00:13:40,570 --> 00:13:43,870 Speaker 1: Josephine looked down just in time to see Aliyah's sparkling 191 00:13:44,070 --> 00:13:48,340 Speaker 1: eyes open. No longer did she see the lifeless gaze 192 00:13:48,890 --> 00:13:53,540 Speaker 1: that haunted her dreams. She was staring into her baby's 193 00:13:53,679 --> 00:13:59,179 Speaker 1: dazzling green eyes, which were sweetly staring back at her. 194 00:14:00,020 --> 00:14:03,339 Speaker 1: Aliyah choked on a cough and tried to lift her head, 195 00:14:04,160 --> 00:14:07,410 Speaker 1: but her weariness pulled her back down into her mother's arms. 196 00:14:08,050 --> 00:14:08,709 Speaker 1: My baby! 197 00:14:08,730 --> 00:14:13,890 Speaker 2: Oh, sweet child! Rest your head. You have been through 198 00:14:13,970 --> 00:14:18,770 Speaker 2: so much. You are the strongest person I have ever known. 199 00:14:19,390 --> 00:14:23,720 Speaker 1: Josephine's teary eyes moved from her child to the healer. 200 00:14:24,760 --> 00:14:27,420 Speaker 1: It was as though his mere presence was enough to 201 00:14:27,480 --> 00:14:32,800 Speaker 1: bring her absolute peace beyond her own understanding. All the 202 00:14:32,880 --> 00:14:36,900 Speaker 1: long days and nights of watching her child struggle with 203 00:14:36,940 --> 00:14:42,740 Speaker 1: the demons melted away, now feeling like nothing more than 204 00:14:42,800 --> 00:14:43,900 Speaker 1: a distant memory. 205 00:14:44,480 --> 00:14:47,650 Speaker 2: Thank you. Blessed be your name, O Lord. 206 00:14:48,390 --> 00:14:54,390 Speaker 1: The words were broken, but genuine. Josephine had believed in Jesus' power, 207 00:14:55,130 --> 00:14:57,530 Speaker 1: and it was her faith that made her daughter well. 208 00:14:58,490 --> 00:15:02,240 Speaker 1: Staring into the eyes of Jesus, the grateful mother was 209 00:15:02,340 --> 00:15:07,080 Speaker 1: sure that the God of Israel had indeed looked down 210 00:15:07,240 --> 00:15:14,300 Speaker 1: upon her. and had poured out his boundless love. You're welcome, daughter. Daughter, 211 00:15:15,020 --> 00:15:20,140 Speaker 1: the word rang in Josephine's mind, working its way down 212 00:15:20,260 --> 00:15:23,500 Speaker 1: to her heart. It had been a long time since 213 00:15:23,540 --> 00:15:27,000 Speaker 1: she had felt the comfort of a father. She wrapped 214 00:15:27,040 --> 00:15:30,970 Speaker 1: her hand around her own daughter's cheek. The little girl 215 00:15:31,030 --> 00:15:34,330 Speaker 1: had fallen asleep, and for the first time in weeks, 216 00:15:35,070 --> 00:15:39,530 Speaker 1: she seemed tranquil, like an innocent lamb. lying down by 217 00:15:39,610 --> 00:15:43,990 Speaker 1: still waters. She pressed her lips to her forehead and 218 00:15:44,050 --> 00:15:49,190 Speaker 1: gave her a gentle kiss. Elia's eyes slowly opened as 219 00:15:49,230 --> 00:15:54,200 Speaker 1: she greeted her mother with a delicate smile. The disciples 220 00:15:54,270 --> 00:15:59,240 Speaker 1: happily watched the scene in silence. They too knew what 221 00:15:59,280 --> 00:16:03,100 Speaker 1: it was like to be accepted by God, despite feelings 222 00:16:03,380 --> 00:16:08,180 Speaker 1: of inadequacy. Watching Jesus break down the walls of division 223 00:16:08,540 --> 00:16:13,820 Speaker 1: between nations and peoples, was a true miracle. They knew 224 00:16:13,920 --> 00:16:17,320 Speaker 1: they were in the presence of someone far greater than 225 00:16:17,380 --> 00:16:21,590 Speaker 1: they could ever have imagined. And perhaps this wasn't the 226 00:16:21,670 --> 00:16:26,390 Speaker 1: anonymity Jesus had hoped for, but it was the very 227 00:16:26,530 --> 00:16:30,670 Speaker 1: work he had expected. He had come to set the 228 00:16:30,790 --> 00:16:37,550 Speaker 1: captives free, both Jew and Gentile. Andrew stood to his feet. 229 00:16:38,230 --> 00:16:41,650 Speaker 1: walked the mother and daughter to the door. As Jesus 230 00:16:41,750 --> 00:16:45,430 Speaker 1: made his way back to the table and landed softly 231 00:16:45,590 --> 00:16:49,150 Speaker 1: in his chair once more, he raised his cup to 232 00:16:49,200 --> 00:16:54,220 Speaker 1: his lips, taking a small sip of wine. As the 233 00:16:54,260 --> 00:16:58,580 Speaker 1: door slowly creaked closed behind the mother and daughter, the 234 00:16:58,620 --> 00:17:03,910 Speaker 1: group could hear a faint giggle outside as two small 235 00:17:04,090 --> 00:17:09,560 Speaker 1: feet landed on the ground. Tiny footsteps raced up the 236 00:17:09,600 --> 00:17:15,910 Speaker 1: street with a light-hearted daughter and a relieved mother following after. 237 00:17:18,510 --> 00:17:21,949 Speaker 3: Jesus ventures into the region of Tyre and Sidon, the 238 00:17:21,970 --> 00:17:24,550 Speaker 3: place you'd probably avoid if you were a devout Jew 239 00:17:24,590 --> 00:17:27,170 Speaker 3: of the time. Think of it as the wrong side 240 00:17:27,190 --> 00:17:30,890 Speaker 3: of the tracks. He's met by a Canaanite woman, a Gentile, 241 00:17:31,090 --> 00:17:33,840 Speaker 3: who cries out, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son 242 00:17:33,859 --> 00:17:38,920 Speaker 3: of David. My daughter is severely demon-possessed. Now, let's pause here. 243 00:17:39,420 --> 00:17:43,720 Speaker 3: This woman crosses cultural and religious boundaries to seek Jesus. 244 00:17:44,280 --> 00:17:46,760 Speaker 3: She's a mother on a mission, and nothing is going 245 00:17:46,800 --> 00:17:50,679 Speaker 3: to stop her. Not even centuries of animosity between Jews 246 00:17:50,900 --> 00:17:54,530 Speaker 3: and Canaanites. But how does Jesus respond? He answered her 247 00:17:54,619 --> 00:17:58,150 Speaker 3: not a word. Ouch. Ever sent a text and got 248 00:17:58,190 --> 00:18:02,449 Speaker 3: left unread? Multiply that feeling by a thousand. Even the 249 00:18:02,510 --> 00:18:05,909 Speaker 3: disciples urged Jesus to send her away. They're annoyed by 250 00:18:05,950 --> 00:18:10,139 Speaker 3: her persistence. When Jesus finally speaks, he says, I was 251 00:18:10,180 --> 00:18:12,369 Speaker 3: not sent except to the lost sheep of the house 252 00:18:12,410 --> 00:18:16,389 Speaker 3: of Israel. Translation, you're not on my current agenda. It 253 00:18:16,430 --> 00:18:19,990 Speaker 3: seems harsh, doesn't it? But hold on, there's more beneath 254 00:18:20,030 --> 00:18:24,399 Speaker 3: the surface. Undeterred, the woman worships him, saying, Lord, help me. 255 00:18:24,880 --> 00:18:27,619 Speaker 3: She drops the formalities and gets straight to the point. 256 00:18:28,060 --> 00:18:31,220 Speaker 3: Jesus replies, it is not good to take the children's 257 00:18:31,260 --> 00:18:34,220 Speaker 3: bread and throw it to the little dogs. Did Jesus 258 00:18:34,260 --> 00:18:37,179 Speaker 3: just call her a dog? Before you clutch your pearls, 259 00:18:37,619 --> 00:18:41,739 Speaker 3: understand that the term little dogs softens the blow. It's 260 00:18:41,770 --> 00:18:46,350 Speaker 3: more like saying puppies. He's testing her faith, drawing something 261 00:18:46,430 --> 00:18:49,910 Speaker 3: deeper out of her. As she retorts, yes, Lord, yet 262 00:18:50,070 --> 00:18:52,409 Speaker 3: even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from 263 00:18:52,450 --> 00:18:57,590 Speaker 3: their master's table. Touche. She's essentially saying, even a crumb 264 00:18:57,630 --> 00:19:01,239 Speaker 3: of your power can heal my daughter. Her wit, humility, 265 00:19:01,640 --> 00:19:05,350 Speaker 3: and faith are on full display. Now, let's focus on 266 00:19:05,369 --> 00:19:10,390 Speaker 3: the demon aspect. Her daughter is severely demon-possessed. In those days, 267 00:19:10,790 --> 00:19:14,090 Speaker 3: demon possession was a way to describe severe physical or 268 00:19:14,230 --> 00:19:19,730 Speaker 3: mental afflictions. Whether you interpret this literally or metaphorically, the 269 00:19:19,770 --> 00:19:23,090 Speaker 3: point is that her daughter is in desperate need of deliverance. 270 00:19:24,150 --> 00:19:31,959 Speaker 3: Demons in this context represent anything that torments us. Addictions, fears, doubts, prejudices, 271 00:19:32,440 --> 00:19:36,240 Speaker 3: or even literal demons. This mother's battle is not just 272 00:19:36,340 --> 00:19:40,419 Speaker 3: against a spiritual entity, but against barriers that society has 273 00:19:40,520 --> 00:19:44,949 Speaker 3: placed between her and Jesus. What makes this story remarkable 274 00:19:45,050 --> 00:19:48,970 Speaker 3: is that a Gentile woman recognizes Jesus as Lord and 275 00:19:49,290 --> 00:19:55,060 Speaker 3: Son of David. Titles packed with Jewish messianic expectation. Meanwhile, 276 00:19:55,080 --> 00:20:00,640 Speaker 3: the religious insiders are often clueless or skeptical. Jesus commends her, saying, 277 00:20:01,160 --> 00:20:03,929 Speaker 3: O woman, great is your faith. Let it be to 278 00:20:03,990 --> 00:20:07,790 Speaker 3: you as you desire. Her daughter is healed that very hour. 279 00:20:08,550 --> 00:20:12,229 Speaker 3: Her persistence pays off. and a generational curse is broken. 280 00:20:12,890 --> 00:20:16,250 Speaker 3: How can we apply this story to ourselves today? First, 281 00:20:16,590 --> 00:20:20,609 Speaker 3: let's have persistent faith that transcends boundaries. Are we willing 282 00:20:20,650 --> 00:20:23,390 Speaker 3: to cross societal lines for the sake of those we love? 283 00:20:23,850 --> 00:20:28,629 Speaker 3: This woman didn't let cultural norms prevent her from seeking Jesus. Second, 284 00:20:29,090 --> 00:20:33,000 Speaker 3: embrace humility and wit. This woman doesn't argue or get 285 00:20:33,060 --> 00:20:38,070 Speaker 3: offended at Jesus. Instead, she cleverly engages Him. Sometimes a 286 00:20:38,109 --> 00:20:43,250 Speaker 3: humble heart speaks louder than a loud mouth. Next, identifying 287 00:20:43,410 --> 00:20:47,449 Speaker 3: our demons. What are the modern-day demons tormenting us or 288 00:20:47,609 --> 00:20:52,730 Speaker 3: our loved ones? Mental health struggles, substance abuse, deep-seated anger. 289 00:20:53,240 --> 00:20:57,120 Speaker 3: Recognize these things and bring them to Jesus. And remember, 290 00:20:57,540 --> 00:21:02,159 Speaker 3: God's purpose is bigger than our plans. Jesus' initial reluctance 291 00:21:02,220 --> 00:21:06,199 Speaker 3: wasn't rejection, but a setup for a greater revelation. that 292 00:21:06,280 --> 00:21:09,820 Speaker 3: His mission includes all of us. This story teaches us 293 00:21:09,859 --> 00:21:13,179 Speaker 3: that even the crumbs of Jesus' power are sufficient to 294 00:21:13,310 --> 00:21:17,430 Speaker 3: overcome our greatest challenges. The woman's daughter was healed, not 295 00:21:17,490 --> 00:21:21,750 Speaker 3: because of entitlement, but because of faith. So, whether you 296 00:21:21,770 --> 00:21:26,270 Speaker 3: feel like an outsider or someone battling inner demons, remember 297 00:21:26,330 --> 00:21:30,520 Speaker 3: that Jesus' table has room for you. And sometimes, it's 298 00:21:30,540 --> 00:21:35,120 Speaker 3: the persistent, humble faith that moves mountains. Or, in this case, 299 00:21:35,570 --> 00:21:40,390 Speaker 3: expels demons. Let's not be afraid to approach God with boldness, wit, 300 00:21:40,730 --> 00:21:44,760 Speaker 3: and unwavering faith. Who knows, you might just find that 301 00:21:44,840 --> 00:21:47,960 Speaker 3: He's been waiting for you to take that step all along.