What does Matthew 15:22 teach about approaching Jesus with our deepest needs? A Desperate Mother, A Direct Appeal Matthew 15:22: “And a Canaanite woman from that district came out and cried out, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.’” Four Lessons on Approaching Jesus with Our Deepest Needs • Bold access: Though a Gentile outsider, she “came out and cried out.” Nothing—culture, distance, or fear—kept her from running straight to Jesus. (cf. Hebrews 4:16) • Humble posture: “Have mercy on me.” She brought no bargaining chips, only honest dependence. (cf. James 4:6; Luke 18:13) • Clear confession: “O Lord, Son of David!” She openly declared who He is—Messiah and Master—before presenting her need. (cf. Romans 10:9) • Specific request: “My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” She named the problem plainly, trusting His power over the spiritual realm. (cf. 1 John 3:8) Bringing Our Needs to Jesus Today 1. Come immediately—He welcomes the person who refuses to stay at a distance. 2. Lay aside pride—mercy flows where humility kneels. 3. Confess His identity—faith clings to the Jesus revealed in Scripture, not a vague idea of help. 4. Present the need specifically—He already knows, yet chooses to work through our honest petitions. 5. Keep pleading until He answers—her persistence in the verses that follow shows that perseverance is not presumption. (cf. Matthew 7:7; Luke 18:1–8) Summary of Key Insights • Jesus hears those who break barriers to reach Him. • Humility, faith-filled confession, and specific petitions invite His compassionate response. • The same Savior still welcomes our cries, proving again that “the righteous cry out, and the LORD hears” (Psalm 34:17). |
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