bsf lesson 16 Archives - AtoZMom's BSF Blog (2024)

SUMMARY OF JOHN 12:37-50

Many still did not believe in Jesus. This was because God had blinded them and hardened their hearts.

Many leaders believed but were afraid to say so for fear they would be excommunicated from the church.

Whoever believes in Jesus also believes in God. When they look at him, they see God. Jesus is light, so no one has to live in darkness.

Those who do not believe him will be condemned. Whatever Jesus says was commanded by God.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 5: John 12:37-50

15a) They rejected him.

b) That many would not believe because they had been blinded and their hearts had been hardened.

16a) They were afraid they would be put out of the synagogue;for they loved human praisemore than praise from God.

b) I don’t really wrestle with this fear. It’s not quite the same now as then. The Holy Spirit does give us strength to speak the truth of the Lord.

17) I love how when you see Jesus, you are seeing God. What a powerful reminder that they are one and the same. I love how Jesus brings light, too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 5: John 12:37-50

Great speech by Jesus. Life with Jesus is so much better than life without.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 5: John 12:37-50

People believe because God has revealed Himself to them. Jesus revealed himself to the people via his signs.

God does not cause people to not believe. He only strengthens that decision as judgment against them. They choose evil first.

This is the last speech Jesus makes to the people. He challenges them to believe and warns them what unbelief will mean.

Jesus emphasizes how he does and says everything according to God’s will.

Contact me today!

Christmas Gifts

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

SUMMARY OF JOHN 12:23-36

Jesus’ hour has come to die for us. A voice from heaven spoke and said: “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again”, that is, God’s name.

Jesus will draw people to him when he is lifted up. He said that they must believe in him so that they may become children of light.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 4: John 12:23-36

10) His time to die on the cross

11) If Jesus did not sacrifice himself on the cross, he would not save countless others. A kernel of wheat grows to reproduce and then they reproduce, yielding infinite others. A seed must die to become a plant. Jesus’ death and burial are necessary for us to have life.

12a) When you lose your life or die to self, you’ll work for God and help countless others come to Him.

b) They want to live for eternal life and be with God and Jesus. Here, on earth, we are always separated. Our home is in heaven.

c) To deny myself with my time and give more of it to others.

13) Once Jesus dies, all will be able to be with God and have eternal life.

14) We walk in God’s path for our lives, doing His will and not our own.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 4: John 12:23-36

I can see how many would be confused by Jesus’ words. Hindsight is a gift, and we are lucky to be able to read this and understand what Jesus meant at the time.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 4: John 12:23-36

We do all things as a follower of Jesus.

Those who follow Jesus want to be where he is. When you serve Jesus, God will honor you.

Jesus is troubled because of the horrors of crucifixion. Jesus’ main concern though was to glorify God.

Fun Fact: This is the third affirmation from God that Jesus is His Son. The others are at his baptism and the transfiguration.

God affirms He will glorify Himself at the cross.

Satan would be cast out from this world with Christ’s crucifixion.

Jesus would be exalted and draw all people to him.

We must remember that people could not read and relied on the priests to teach them about the Bible. Therefore, they were not taught much about the suffering of Christ, only his triumph, which led to confusion.

Contact me today!

Christmas Gifts

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

SUMMARY OF JOHN 12:12-22

Jesus enters Jerusalem as prophesied on the back of a donkey with the crowd waving palm branches. They shouted “Hosanna,” which means “Save.” Many came to greet him, especially those who were there when Lazarus was raised from the dead. This angered the Pharisees. Some Greeks wanted to see Jesus, too.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 3: John 12:12-22

7a) Zechariah 9:9 predicted the king would come lowly riding on a donkey. Psalm 118:25-26 has the people shouting the same words for Jesus: “Lord, save us!Lord, grant us success!Blessed is he who comesin the name of theLord.From the house of theLord we bless you.”

b) They expected Jesus to save them, but from their oppressors, the Romans, not spiritually.

c) I have full faith in God and Jesus and fulfilled prophecy only strengthens my faith. It also adds to my understanding of Scripture, God, and His ways, so I can draw nearer to Him.

8 ) the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead. Other people who had heard about Jesus’ raising of Lazarus. The Pharisees were there, too. The Greeks. The crowds probably wanted Jesus to save them. The Pharisees were plotting his death. The Greeks probably wanted to learn more about Jesus and from Jesus.

9) He’s the center and the leader. It’s all about him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 3: John 12:12-22

Love this scene of our Lord and Savior and how humble he is. It’s about the message of the Gospel here.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 3: John 12:12-22

There are many Jews gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover, as well as their required sacrificial lambs. Many were from Galilee.

Palm branches symbolized the Jewish people. The people saw him as their national savior.

They wanted Jesus to save them (Hosanna).

A donkey was an animal of peace, not a war animal like a horse.

Jesus had become insanely popular after the raising of Lazarus. Many believed now he is the promised Messiah.

Philip’s name is Greek, so they came to him asking to see Jesus so that they could learn more about him. We do not know if these Greeks were converts or not. However, the Greeks represented the entire Gentile world.

Contact me today!

Christmas Gifts

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

SUMMARY OF JOHN 12:1-11

Six days before Passover, Jesus was anointed by Mary in Bethany at dinner. She poured expensive perfume out to wash his feet. Judas objected, asking why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. He wanted to take some of that money for himself.

Jesus said that this perfume was meant for him as he was going away. The Jews also wanted to kill Lazarus since many people believed in Jesus because of him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 2: John 12:1-11

3a) Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume;she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.

b) She loved Jesus, believed in him, was devoted to him, and wanted to give him her best.

4a) Judas objected, asking why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. He wanted to take some of that money for himself.

b) He was greedy and only saw the things of the earth. He did not believe in Jesus and did not care for him.

5) Jesus defended Mary’s action, saying “Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

6) Good question. I feel as if not as much as Mary’s gift.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 2: John 12:1-11

I love this example of always giving your best to Jesus.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 2: John 12:1-11

John 12 begins the last week of Jesus’ life.

Fun Fact: Almost half of John’s Gospel is devoted to Jesus’ last week. Matthew used more than one-third of his Gospel to cover that week, Mark nearly 40% and Luke over 25%. This should indicate it’s importance.

Bible scholars believe that this dinner was at the home of Simon the Leper (Matthew 26:6andMark 14:3). Martha, Lazarus, and Mary were also there.

Mary humbled herself her. Usually, slaves washed the feet of guests. She did this during supper and used her hair as a towel. She thought her gift was only worthy for Jesus’ feet. Jewish women rarely let their hair down in public.

Judas hid his heart from everyone except Jesus.

Fun Fact: This is the only place in the Bible outside of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus that he is mentioned for doing something evil. Judas was probably jealous of the gift and of the love Mary had for Jesus. John did not know at the time of this act that Judas was a thief.

Jesus chastises Judas for putting a price on Mary’s love and devotion to him. At the end of the day, it’s a funeral expense.

Lazarus must die because the Sadducees did not believe in resurrection.

Contact me today!

Christmas Gifts

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

SUMMARY OF 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31

Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign in Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. He did what was rightin the eyes of theLord. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. He purifed the temple, celebrated Passover, and encouraged worship of the Lord.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 4: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31

9a) He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. The first commandment is to love the Lord your God before all others. Therefore, idol worship could not be tolerated ever.

b) The Lord has to be first in everything we do, always. The hard part is trying to remember that.

10)

The role and activity of the priests: He purified the temple and the priests and rededicated them to the Lord. Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to divisions—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—to offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, to minister,to give thanks and to sing praisesat the gates of theLord’s dwelling. He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portiondue the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of theLord.

Calling the people back to God: He celebrated Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, inviting everyone including Judah to come to Jerusalem and do so. More high places were smashed.

11a) You have to fix what is wrong before you can do what is right. Hezekiah understood this by smashing idol worship and restoring the priesthood and retraining them to serve God. He took action once the corrective measures were taken to restore the priesthood and put God at the center of people’s lives once again.

b) Good question. He’s definitely asking me to put him first more and get my priorities straight.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 4: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31

Amongst all the bad kings, the good ones shine out — and boy do they shine brightly. Love reading about Hezekiah and his example of how it can only take a few things to turn the world around for many.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 4: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31

In 2 Kings, we see Hezekiah’s reign was righteous, so he prospered. God preserved the royal line of King David (and thus Jesus) through Hezekiah.

In 2 Chronicles 29-31, we see Hezekiah cleanse the temples and restore worship and sacrifices. Passover is celebrated, and the regular work of the priests is restored.

Contact me today!

Great Christmas Gift Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

SUMMARY OF 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38

Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah began to reign. He reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. TheLord afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house.

Jotham his son succeeded him as king. He reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did what was rightin the eyes of theLord. He did not do what was rightin the eyes of theLordhis God

2 Kings 16

Ahaz son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. He reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did not do what was rightin the eyes of theLord his God. Ahaz asked for help from Assyria rather than God.

2 Chronicles 26-28

Uzziah succeeded his father Amaziah as king in Judah. He did what was right in the eyes of theLord. But after Uzziah became powerful, his prideled to his downfall.He was unfaithfulto theLord his God. The Lord afflicted him with leprosy, and he lived in a separate house.

Jotham reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years.. He did what was right in the eyes of theLord. Jotham grew powerfulbecause he walked steadfastly before theLordhis God.

Ahaz reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Therefore theLord his God delivered him into the hands of the king of Aram.

King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria for help. Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyriacame to him, but he gave him troubleinstead of help. In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithfulto theLord.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

6) Idol worship infiltrated Judah in several ways. First, the Israelites intermixed with the surrounding kingdoms, adopting their ways and gods. Next, Israel would partner with pagan nations for help, rather than with God. And, the kings would worship idols, so the people followed suit.

7a) He made idols for worshiping the Baals.He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnomand sacrificed his childrenin the fire, engaging in the detestablepractices of the nations theLordhad driven out before the Israelites.He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. He asked for help from the king of Assyria. He constructed pagan altars and made offerings on them.

b) It’s easy to keep on sinning once you’ve entered sin. The best solution is to pray to resist sin or to turn away and repent as soon as you realize it. Don’t let the lies and sins compound.

8 ) God is in control, and we find hope in Him and His ways, not the ways of the world.

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the goodof those who love him, who have been calledaccording to his purpose.

Romans 13:1-2: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares theLord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

It’s easy to see how infectious sin can be and how it can completely destroy lives. We must always be on guard against this.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

Azariah (also called Uzziahin2 Kings 15:13 and other places in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah) was good in the eyes of the Lord. He was a strong king and a builder. He built up the army, too. He left the foreign altars and was struck by God with leprosy for burning incense in the temple (2 Chronicles 26:16). Kings were to be separate from the priests.

Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father had who influenced him. He improved the towns with building projects.

God began to send countries against Judah as a test.

2 Chronicles 26-28 covers the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz. Ahaz did evil, rejected God, and chose idol worship. Many Judeans were captured by Syria and carried away. Many died. Ahaz turns to Assyria for help instead of turning to the Lord. Isaiah the prophet was preaching during the reign of Ahaz. God preserved a remnant and did not allow the Syrians to destroy all of Judah so the Messianic prophecy would be fulfilled.

Contact me today!

Great Christmas Gift Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 15:8-31; 17

2 Kings 15:8-31

Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned six months. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah. He attacked him in front of the people, assassinated him and succeeded him as king. So the word of theLordspoken to Jehu was fulfilled:“Your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.

Menahem son of Gadi went from Tirzah up to Samaria. He attacked Shallum son of Jabesh in Samaria, assassinated him and succeeded him as king. He reigned in Samaria ten years. He did evilin the eyes of theLord.

Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years.Pekahiah did evilin the eyes of theLord.

Pekah killed Pekahiah and succeeded him as king. He reigned twenty years.He did evil in the eyes of theLord.

Hoshea son of Elah conspired against Pekah son of Remaliah. He attacked and assassinated him, and then succeeded him as king.

2 Kings 17

Hosheason of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years.He did evilin the eyes of theLord. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyriacaptured Samariaand deportedthe Israelites to Assyria.

All this took place because the Israelites had sinnedagainst theLord their God, who had brought them up out of Egyptfrom under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. The king of Assyriabrought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaimand settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

3a)

• Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned six months.
• Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah. He reigned one month.
• Menahem son of Gadi. He reigned 10 years.
• Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years
• Pekah killed Pekahiah and succeeded him as king. He reigned twenty years.
• Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years.

b) Probably chaotic. There were assassinations at every turn. There was no stability. Then Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked and took the Israelites captive and deported them.

4) Israel had been paying Shalmaneser king of Assyria tribute to avoid an invasion. Instead, Hoshea went to the king of Egypt instead and quit paying tribute, so the king of Assyria attacked and took the Israelites captive and deported them.

5a) All this took place because the Israelites had sinnedagainst theLord their God. They worshiped other godsand followed the practices of the nationstheLord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced.The Israelites secretly did things against theLord their God that were not right. They set up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree.At every high place they burned incense. They did wicked things that made God angry. Thye forsook all the commands of God, so exile was their punishment.

b) Well, as we’ve seen, they get attacked and deported. God’s blessings turn to judgment, and anything can happen. Life becomes even harder without God.

c) Lots of ways. We can look to other people, material things, other items we own, have, or want. Ultimately, every path is empty.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

Lots of history here and a good insight into just how turbulent ancient times were.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17

In 2 Kings 15, we see 5 kings that reigned over Israel in a short amount of time.

Note that all did evil in the eyes of the Lord except Shallum, whom the writer does not say whether he was good or bad. It’s probably safe to assume he was bad.

Assyria moved many conquered nations and peoples to their lands. The land of Israel is not reduced to a small piece of land.

2 Kings 17 tells about the complete fall of Israel into the hands of the Assyrians.

Hoshea and Israel were subjects under Assyria and paid them money. However, Hoshea hoped to find help with Egypt. When Assyria found out, they attacked Israel, showing no mercy. Hoshea needed to turn to the Lord for help, not Egypt.

It took Assyria three years to conquer Israel, but they did. They deported all but the poor to Assyria.

It had been a short 200 years and many kings (19 in total) since Solomon when Israel was united when the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell.

It has been reported that Assyrians would lead captives away naked and pierced. Truly humbling for God’s people — all because God was ignored.

When Israel was resettled by the Assyrians, God is angry because they did not fear Him. He sent lions to show His power. Priests were sent, but the people still forsook God.

It’s simple — obey God and be saved. Yet, this is the ulimate example of Israel’s failure to do so.

Contact me today!

Great Christmas Gift Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 15 BSF LESSON 16

• The heart is what matters to God, not your deeds
• God does not want show or rituals
• Only Jesus’s blood cleanses you before God
• Humbly request for mercy; God responds
• True faith is in the heart
• You cannot overcome sin with deeds
• Only God can meet our needs

TAKE AWAY: Our goal is to love what God loves.

Contact me today!

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 15:29-39

Jesus left Tyre and Sidon and returned to the Sea of Galilee. He went up a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came and he healed many. The people were amazed and they praised the God of Israel.

Jesus called his disciples to him. He tells them he has compassion on the people who have not eaten for three days and he doesn’t want to send them away hungry or they may collapse. His disciples wonder how they will get the food. Jesus asked for the loaves of bread they had and the fish. He gave thanks for the bread and fish and broke them. He gave them to his disciples who distributed it to the people.

Everyone ate and was satisfied. They had seven basketfulls of broken pieces left over. Four thousand ate plus women and children. Then he traveled to Magadan.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 5: Matthew 15:29-39

12a) Similar: Jesus was moved by compassion to feed the crowd. Both times, the disciples didn’t know what to do. Both times, everyone sat and Jesus gave thanks for the bread and fish. He distributed the food through the disciples’ hands. They all ate and were satisfied.

b) Different: In one account, Jesus feeds 5,000; here, he feeds 4,000. The miracles happened in different locations in Galilee. Here, Jesus takes the initiative to feed the people. In the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples wish to send the people away to buy their own food. In the feeding of the 5,000, they had 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Here, they have 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish. In the feeding of the 5,000, there were 12 basketfuls of broken pieces left over. Here, they had 7 basketfulls left over.

13a) To see that Jesus’s power is consistent and now a fluke. He is the Son of God.

b) He is showing others who he is, as well as setting the stage for the future when Gentiles will be welcomed into God’s kingdom.

14) Contentment in life

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 5: Matthew 15:29-39

I love seeing how Jesus cares for his people’s physical needs and provides food and sustenance when they need it. I had forgotten about this miracle since the Feeding of the 5,000 overshadows it.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 5: Matthew 15:29-39

This is the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee in a region known as the Decapolis. It was mostly Gentiles or unbelievers. The fact they gathered and believed in the power of Jesus to heal shows his impact on the region.

Whether they had faith before, we are not told. We are told that after they were healed, they glorified the God of Israel, presumably turning to God.

Jesus came to relieve human suffering and show God on earth by opening spiritual eyes.

Again, God provides out of His abundance by having leftovers. Many see the feeding of the 5,000 and the the 4,000 as a precursor to the Messianic banquet and showed that Gentiles would be accepted there.

Contact me today!

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 15:21-28

Jesus now traveled to Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman came to ask Jesus to help her daughter who was possessed by a demon. At first, Jesus did not answer. Apparently, the woman kept begging, prompting the disciples to ask Jesus to send her away. Jesus said he was sent to help only Israelites. The woman kept begging and showed great faith, so Jesus healed her daughter.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28

9a) Because they would be preaching to the Gentiles after he died.

b) “Lord, Son of David.” This shows she understands who Jesus really is — the son of God.

10a) A Canaanite woman came to ask Jesus to help her daughter who was possessed by a demon. At first, Jesus did not answer. Apparently, the woman kept begging, prompting the disciples to ask Jesus to send her away. Jesus said he was sent to help only Israelites. The woman kept begging and showed great faith, so Jesus healed her daughter.

b) He was testing her faith and that of the disciples

11a) She never gives up hope in Jesus to heal her daughter. She realizes who Jesus is and humbles herself. She never loses faith or hope in Jesus.

b) The same. To never give up. To keep praying. And to not lose faith or hope in Jesus.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28

I love when Jesus helps those who are persistent. I’m very persistent myself.

Great read for all!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 4: Matthew 15:21-28

Tyre and Sidon were located on the Mediterranean Sea about 20 miles apart from each other. They were about 50 miles travel distance from where Jesus was in Galilee. These were Gentile cities, so why would Jesus go there? To help this woman.

She came as an intercessor for her daughter. This gives us hope when we pray for others, too.

Jesus healed other Gentiles (Matthew 4:24-25;8:5-13) but always before in Jewish territory. Here, he is in Gentile territory.

The woman irritated the disciples, so they asked Jesus to heal her so she’d leave.

Jesus clearly states he is here for the Jews.

The woman did not back down. She continued asking for healing for her daughter.

Jesus called the woman a “little dog,” which was a traditional slur towards Gentiles. Household dogs were entitled to a portion.

The woman did not argue; she knew she was low. Instead, she continued to ask for Jesus’s help and blessing.

All she asks for is the crumbs — which his all any of us are worthy of.

Fun Fact: This is the only time Jesus tells someone their faith is great.

This is the only story recorded of Jesus’s ministry in Tyre and Sidon. It appears Jesus traveled all this way just to meet her. How awesome is that!

This woman had a need, and she never gave up. She knew who Jesus was and she kept pursuing him.

Contact me today!

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.