What is Great Faith?

I have never liked this story and would prefer not to preach on it.   The reason for this seems pretty obvious.  This does not sound like the Jesus we know and proclaim.  Some pastors have concluded that Matthew shouldn’t have recorded this story and think it best to shield hearers from it by avoiding it.  The reasons are clear.

We all know that alarming statistics regarding the unchurched or those outside the church in America.  The perception of “being judgmental” is a major challenge before every Christian congregation.  Like all Christian congregations, we are rightly concerned about how to welcome people.  In fact, many congregations have developed whole THEOLOGIES OF WELCOME AND HOSPITALITY.

There is no way around this.  What “bugs me” about this text is certainly what troubles all of us.  Jesus’ words sound so offensive and completely intolerant.  This is not the Jesus we know and love, is it?  Let this text be your companion this week.  Then come and hear where there is good news here.  For ultimately, this text is about the great faith of a Canaanite woman.  This is what Jesus would have us hear and understand.