Pray for Japan!

With all that is going on in Japan right now, the one thing that is really needed is for all our hearts to be drawn to Jesus.  I know that there are so many without homes and so many are still lost.  So much death.  Destruction every where.  But the heart needs to be still and know that He is God.

Do that right now.  Take some time today to sit down and get some rest.  We are all beat up.  Take care of your heart and your heart will be refreshed in the Lord.

Leadership: Who's in Charge? 1 Tmothy 3:1-7

As we saw last week, the leadership question might bring some concern for some in the church.  Some passages are not 100% clear as to the final meaning but most scriptures do give us a complete picture of the roles and functions of leaders.  Rather than look at the ones that are in question, we shall look at the verses that give us a very clear understanding of the roles of leadership in the Church. At the outset, I am learning with you.

Understand, first of all, that the Church is not a democracy.  It really isn’t.  Not every voice is equal.  Not every decision is made by the ALL.  The Church does not work that way.  It does not work in the Society; it does not work in the Church.  Both social networks and the Christian community works better than that.  Both has structure.  It is not our concern this morning to look at what the world has to offer man as far as leadership. We will look to the scriptures for our understanding and for our answers.

Time is the factor to look at here.  As I look at the Scriptures, it seems apparent that it was necessary for the congregation to exist for some time in order for the fellowship to mature.  There is a warning that a new believer not become a leader as he might fall into temptation.  What Paul was concerned with was that leadership would be tested and that testing be done over time.

Even Paul warned his own elders in Acts 20:27-30 that things could fall apart.

 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own Blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”

31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 

 36 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. 

I find it outrageous that the leaders were really more concerned that they would not see Paul again and apparently not concerned for the well-being of the flock NOR how fast some of them were going to turn away from Christ and become enemies of the Gospel.  From among them! distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. No longer Christ-centered but man-centered.

The exact role of the elders are not detailed for us in the New Testament.  The character traits are.  What you are is what you do. They would show Spiritual maturity.  Maybe of some age.  They would be concerned with spiritual matters that affected the Christians under their care. 

The role of the elders do, however, requires some very distinctive spiritual gifts as well as a developed Christian character.  All believers are called to be mature in Christ but not all believers are called to be elders in the Church. This is indeed, a high calling.

There is one critical ministry of elders found in 1 Timothy 5:17 “The elders who direct the affairs of the church.”  The ones who ‘oversee’ the ministry are called to direct the affairs of the fellowship—spiritual well-being—as a good shepherd.

Let us look at 1 Peter 2:25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.  The role or task of Jesus here is both administrative as well as judicial. To oversee-authority. He is the One who looks out for us. 

Certain spiritual gifts of overseeing are necessary to understand and guard the Fellowship as they work out their Faith in life and practice.  The elder calls for insight into the nature of the Church and needs an understanding of how the Body of Christ functions and perhaps, also, has understanding of the way the gift of administration operates.

Titus 1:5-9: blameless, Husband of one wife, having believing children [not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient], blameless, not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not addicted to drunkenness, not violent [belligerent or aggressive], not a money-lover, hospitable, lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, disciplined, holding fast the Word, able to encourage [teach] sound doctrine, able to refute objections.

1 Tim 3:1-7: above reproach, temperate, respectable, not quarrelsome, manage his own family, not a resent convert, have a good reputation with outsiders.

1 Peter 5:1-4: willing to serve, not under compulsion or obligation, eager to serve, not lording it over the flock, as an example.

We can see six words that some out as a summery of these verses:  

 1. Integrity-the Overseer’s word is true.  His life is one of high quality.  He is a man of integrity.  

 2. High Morality-he is a man of one wife (or a one-woman-man). 

 3. Hospitable-he reaches out.  Same root word for hospital.  He is a hospital. Gives care and healing.

 4. Humility-not a resent convert.  Time to grow up in his Faith. 

 5. Honest-dealing with ¥, $.  And 

 6. Harmony-he is a peace-maker.  No rough edges. His walk is one of harmony and at ease even in hard times.

Here is the framework. Understand this very open truth: everyone in the Body of Christ should have these character traits.  Not just the leaders.  We are called to One Body. We are called to be Holy as the Lord God is Holy.  We are part of Christ's Body.  Therefore, we are all called to live a life for Him with that is without blemish.  We are forgiven.  We are set apart to Him, therefore, we are to live a life that reflect His Oneness and Holiness.

Next time: the second half of this talk on being an "Overseer".  Stay on the course.  Keep your eyes on Jesus!

Leadership: Continued

Last week, we started on a road of exploration as we looked at the beginning of the topic of Church Leadership. As hard as I tried, some personal feeling will drift into our study.  I do not apologize for that. I feel that we all might be challenged as we continue this study.

Who’s in Charge?  With the situation in Northern Africa and the Middle East, that question could take a long while.  The spread of the challenge of Change is everywhere. Even in the USA, people are screaming for change.  Sometimes, people want change without any thought of what changes are needed to be made. Change for change sake may not be the best result but the masses are still crying for change.

In some countries, any change that is taken, the government has a way to find control.  Sometimes, heavy-handed measures are taken to suppress the people’s wishes—whether they are good or bad—it doesn’t seem to matter.  We hear cries for People’s Rights.  We see the marching crowds.  Some feel threatened.  Some go into prayer.  Some take to the streets in open rebellion. Others go to the rooftops to get a better position and shoot the public with sniper rounds.  People are scared in the world today.  Unrest is everywhere. Leaders are trying to secure a better situation.  Some leaders are trying to bribe their way back into the hearts of the people by giving them some money as a way to make them liked again.

In a country just three hours away from us, even the treat of a protest brings out the police and military in force.  People were arrested just because there is a possible protest.

And what is our response to these world-wide changes?  For the most part, we are unmoved.  We might be concerned when the gas prices go up to 200Y per liter but if you don’t use a car, that will not affect you.

What about changes within the Church? We have seen, depending on your age, all sorts of changes.  From the mid-1900’s, there was the ‘God is Dead’ movement.  The ‘God Is Not Here’ movement.  ‘God Is Everywhere’ movement.  The ‘God Is In You’ movement. Leaders of some churches have changed their stand of morality.  In some cases, the morality of the Church looks like the world the Church is supposed to help lead.  Some endorse Gay marriages. Some allow open rebellion.  ‘Jesus is a Rebel’, they cry!  Che Guevare and Jesus are after the same things in life.  Some teach that the Power of the Church is based on false teaching and needs to be cleansed.  The interpretations of the Scriptures were questioned and then denied.  People looked to science and education once again for meaning.  A newer Age of Enlightenment took center stage.  God would be made in Man’s Image.  Man became the Authority in ALL matters.  But, yet, people were empty.  Why?  Because the heart of man was already turned from Truth and from God’s heart. 

Romans 1:18-23  ^“But God's angry displeasure erupts as acts of human mistrust and wrongdoing and lying accumulate, as people try to put a shroud over truth. But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.” ~ from The Message.

So, here we are today, looking to the Word of God for answers.  The questions may not even be on your lips but we do need answers that will direct our hearts.  Keep your eyes open to see just what it is that the Lord of the Bible wants you to know of His plan for all of us.  His authority in our lives will be the cause of great joy.  We are made to please Him.  We are made in His image.  Romans 1:6 states: “And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.”  (NIV) We do best when we reflect His heart in this cold and changing world.

This next Sunday, we will be looking at the different offices that is found in Church Leadership.  Keep in mind that Jesus is THE Authority over all the Church.

Introduction to Church Leadership as found in 1, 2 Timothy & Titus “Who’s in charge here?”

 By way of introduction:

The Apostle’s Creed:

 I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

 On the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right Hand of the Father, and He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 

 I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.  Amen.

Starting a Church…That must have been hard to do!

How did Paul do it?  He would visit a pagan city, talk to a few people, maybe a crowd.  A few or even many would come to believe his Gospel message of Salvation through the Lord Jesus. Then, he’d teach the Word to them and leave.  And behind would be a Church!

How did he do that? What was Paul looking for in the New Believers that caused the Church in that city to grow—even after the main man left?   Good question.

Paul wrote to those new leaders in the form of what is called his Pastoral Epistles. 1, 2 Timothy & Titus. They are called pastoral because they are letters with instructions for pastors, congregations, and general functions within the church.

 1st Timothy deals primarily with church worship and organization.  It deals with the issue of women in relationship to authority (1 Tim. 2:9-15) and dignity (1 Tim. 3:11), speaks of overseers (bishops, 1 Tim. 3:1-7), deacons (1 Tim. 3:8-10 12), and elders (1 Tim. 5:17-18).  Titus deals with the character and qualifications of church officials such as elders, declaring that they are to be men of dignity, respectful, honorable, etc. (Taken from Christian Apologetics & Research Ministries)

This would be Paul’s last word to the leaders of those young congregations.  These three short letters to the young pastors Timothy and Titus have a unique value in themselves. The three letters show us:

1. -HOW we are to share or communicate our Faith.

2. -TEACH us how to recognize and select spiritual leaders.

3. -Gives us INSIGHT into different categories of leaders and how our local fellowship/church leaders are to function.

As Paul writes to Timothy and Titus, we can see these words of apostles, overseers (Bishops), elders and deacons interspersed through out the letters. 

As we read these three letters, we can come face to face with some modern issues that tend to be sensitive modern issues.  Early on, Paul tells Timothy to commit what he had been given and to teach that to “reliable men.”  And Paul also writes the he (1 Tim 2:12) did “not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man.” oh my. Does that mean that women cannot function as leaders in the church?  And, if so, what specific leadership roles are they not to take?  Are certain members excluded from leadership roles altogether?  Let’s find out.

AGAIN, as I stated last week, if the scriptures say thus and so, we are to follow it.  If it is silent on certain issues, we too are to be silent.  We can’t make Church doctrine on silence. Nor can we disregard other things scripture does say.

The structure of the modern church has some major differences than the one Paul was addressing.  For one thing, the early church leaders were all from the Jewish Faith.  Many were leaders already in their congregations.  Some were already Scripture Teachers.  As the Gospel spread, many from outside the Hebrew Faith followed the TEACHINGS OF JESUS and so many of them had zero knowledge of being Hebrew—never mind the Scriptures.  Look at the list of what they use to be and you might be shocked. 1 Cor 6:9-11 And that is what some of you were. And to remember what the Key Gospel message was: 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,

We will need to look at what Paul wrote and learn about leadership and then apply it to our own situation today in order for us to maintain a healthy and vital Fellowship that reflects Jesus.

The way Paul and Company did Church planting can be used today to draw some principles yet provides us with a number of questions.

a. Paul and Timothy and Titus did not function as local church leaders.  What were they?

b. The office of Elder was to be established in every worshiping location.  There was no teaching at that time about ordaining a “pastor” to the local church.  What was the elders’ task? What about pastors?

c. It seems that elders were appointed on the returning visit of the planters (Paul and Co.) Why not on the first?

d. These New Testament letters seem to assume (or to explicitly teach) male leadership.  What is with that? What about women in the local church? Can they be leaders?

We might be digging a pretty large hole here.  Please stay with us. Don’t run away from these issues. They are presented to us from the Word of God and we are to look TO the Word of God for answers.  It is not my intention to cause us to question how we do things here at ICCS but for us to think more clearly about spiritual leadership here and how that leadership functions in our local church.

Our background may have something to do with how we feel about these issues.  Some of you are from formal denominational Churches with high functioning leadership roles.  Some are from churches were such things are not present at all—and that way on purpose. 

Let’s look at some terms here.  Hopefully, this will aid us in understanding how and what the Bible says about leadership in the Church. (I use Church in its Biblical form—not as a building but as a Body of Believers.)

When it comes to Biblical leadership, three terms are usually used to describe the situation.  The first word is CONFLICT:  Here the conflict is found in obeying or resisting of authority.  We are talking about conflict between Man and his God.  Not conflict between each other.  Iron sharpens iron happens during some conflict and that is good for the relationship.  This is different.  Between Man and God!  When it comes to Christ and His Church, any conflict that divides the Body is not to be. We would need to set it aside and have an open heart to God’s way of leading the Church.  Because of the Fall of Man and since the Garden, man has sought to be independent from God.  His rebellion and disobedience has been historic.  Man tries, almost at every turn, to be free from a Higher Control and Authority of God: thus conflict.

The second term is CONFUSION: For many in the Church today, few have really had the interest or the time to look at the different teachings coming out of the Church. There tends to be a reaction to unknown things. Long lasting traditions and Theological vagueness creates confusion in the Church. Think of the teachings of the Pharisees.  Somewhat based on Holy Scripture but seeded throughout in man’s teachings and added to by man’s wisdom. Jesus told them that they were mistaken: that they thought they could get eternal life from those teaching when the Scriptures themselves were left untouched.  When church leadership looks like a Pharisaical movement, error is found and confusion follows.

The third word is CONTENTMENT: When members come to the Authority of God’s Word and find the source of belief there, that pleases the Lord.  When we come to the Authority of the Word in life and practice, one finds a delight in the Law of the Lord. When we obey the teachings of our Lord as found in Holy Script, life takes on a different level of contentment.  Someone once said: “God said it; I believe it; that settles it for me!”  How about dropping the second point!  God’s Word does not NEED my endorsement to be considered truth.  His Word stands by itself!  The Authority of the Word of God in life and practice stands no matter what man believes. 

When looking at Paul’s letters about leadership, his first word is APOSTLE; This word means ‘ambassador’ or delegate or messenger.  They were used to name the 12 who followed Jesus and who He called to follow Him.  Add to that list Paul, who was added later on—after his conversion on the Road to Damascus.  There were others, including Barnabas (Acts 14:14) and from Romans 16:7 two little known Apostles, Andronicus and Junias.  These were traveling itinerant teachers who founded and then guided a number of local congregations—much like some missionaries today.

Whether there are modern apostles today is an open question. (Not for some!) If there are, they should fall into the category of ‘apostle’ and not ‘Apostle’. (Again, this is only the introduction!)

In like manner, if there were apostolic ministries today, they would truly, as in the NT times, extend beyond the local ministry of a single church or fellowship.  (There is a need to be careful here.)

BISHOP is the next term found in these letters.  The word comes from a Greek word that means “overseer” or “one who takes care of.” In 1 Peter 2:25, Jesus is called the “Bishop (or sheperd) of our souls”. This tends to mean someone who watches out for a group of people.  A special responsibility to have over a group.  Over the years, this role took on incredible power and later in Church history, some who held this office was not even a believer but paid for this seat.

As we look at 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, we can see an overlap of the usage of this term/office.  The words overseer and elder suggest that they both ‘shepherd’ or ‘presbyter’ or pastor and are synonyms terms.  Paul uses Bishop both in places were elder and overseer are used.  In Paul’s letter to the Philippian Church, Phil 1:1, “all the saints…with the overseers and deacons.” A division of leadership.

Just what are the specific duties of an overseer, we are not clear from what Paul wrote.  Again, silence or certainly a soft-spoken situation, and what you have is: we can’t be 100% certain what that office was to do except oversee the Family. To shepherd them in the Lord.

ELDER. From the Greek which means, as it does in English, “older.”  Or “the older one.” It many mean age or long term believer.  In Latin, the Romans have Senator, and the Jewish leaders who are members of the inner group of the Sanhedrin were also older men. 

As with some things in the Scripture, there might be some confusion.  I trust that will not happen to us.  Be like the church found in Acts, in Berea, (Acts 17:10-11) “…for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”   Search out the Word of God—as the Word of God is THE Authority on life and practice of the Believer.  It is easy to fall into traditions and historical explanations, but when His Holy Word touches the heart, the result should be quick to follow.  He said it; That settles it for me!

So, Who is in Charge?  Over all things, Jesus holds that role.  He alone is the One who saved us from sin’s hold.  He alone went to the Cross for our Salvation.  He along is the only one who can give Salvation to those who believe.  He alone is the Chief Cornerstone, the High Priest of our souls.  Give Him allegiance and honor as you set your hearts to follow His Will.

A Square Peg Into A Round Hole/丸い穴に四角い釘

キリストの変容　マルコによる福音書　第９章２～１０節

The Transfiguration of Jesus Mark 9:2-10

 

Ever try to put a square peg into a round hole?  If one works at it for a while and with lots of pressure, it might indeed work.  Being in Japan is something like that for me.  I’d like to fit in but I really don’t.  Not a real problem of this nation as I love it here.  We have found so many wonderful friends here and the experience is one that has covered 1/2 of my life.  No regrets whatsoever. As I have said before, I just don’t fit in. But I get around OK. It is just important to ask the right questions. You will need to work hard at it.  Not easy!  It is important to have the right social keys that will help interpret what the answers really are.

In our story today, one man here does not have the right question or the right social keys to interpret what he is experiencing.  Peter has had a reputation of being like a bull in a dish factory. Speaking too soon, too harshly, or just being the big man he is by nature. Not really a fault in him but his impulsive nature had gotten him in some pretty painful situations.

Like when Jesus was talking about going to Jerusalem to die, Peter was the one to pull Him aside and tells Him that would not happen: he’d be there to stand by Him at all cost, no matter what! A square peg into a round hole.

Peter telling Jesus that he would always be by Jesus’ side, no matter what and then denying Jesus three times!

A square peg into a round hole.

In today’s passage, it seems that Peter just had one of his foot-in-mouth experiences once again. He is THE square peg a round hole.

Let’s get to that in a minute, but first; let’s look at what the problem was.  Was Peter a non-spiritual man?  No, not really. Did he have a social problem of some sort? No, he was just impulsive.  Not really that bad because he becomes an example of what we do all the time. A square peg into a round hole. Peter’s square-ness is very much like us when we speak out of turn.  When we forget where we are.  When we blow it big time with God, and watch what happens!  God does not throw us away!  He is bigger than that!   (Read Scripture: Mark 9:2-10)

Two points today: One: Set up the scene and Who was there. And Two: What do we do about it? It is a matter of asking the wrong question.

Set up the scene. Plainly put, Six men on a mountaintop.  Jesus took Peter, James and John with HIM and led them up a high mountain…

While they were up there, two more showed up: Elijah and Moses.  And these two were talking with Jesus.

Mark, Luke and John all say pretty much the same thing.  “…where they were all alone.” “…to pray.” “…by themselves.”

While they were up there…time was not a factor of how long it was…they were interrupted by something very unusual.  It just does not happen.  Has this ever happened to you? No?  Me either. Jesus was transfigured before them.  What does that mean?

transfiguration:* small ‘t’.

1.  a dramatic change in appearance, especially one that glorifies or exalts somebody. 2.  the transfiguring of somebody or something, or the changed state that results.

Transfiguration:* 1.  the radiant appearance of Jesus Christ on a mountaintop before three of his disciples, as recorded in the Bible.

* Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

What the passage says is: “There He was transfigured before them.”  His appearance “changed and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.”  “His face shone like the sun.” In Mark, it is added: “Whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.”

And this was normal?  It seems to me that the three men that Jesus brought up to the top of the mountain were not all that sharp.  The best they could do was to fall asleep!  They must have been very sleepy. Maybe a long walk and thin air but this was0 something out of the ordinary! They have been visited by two of the most well known Patriarchs in Hebrew History.

Which brings another question to mind: How did they know it was Moses and Elijah? Name tags? Not said: not important. Not the main point of this story. They were there and they were talking to Jesus. About what? Not said: not the main point of this story.

But leave things to Peter, he was so frightened (all three of them) he did not know what to say (or even think) so he opened his mouth and said:  5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

This was like Peter saying: “LET’S keep the three of you here together and all will be fine. The Romans will leave now because NOW all the Scripture have been fulfilled!  The Law and the Prophets and the Son of God; all together in the same place! Let’s not break up this fine trio! It is better than anything God had done so far.”

But Peter was wrong. Wrong question to ask. God stepped in, not even giving that question a second thought. 7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!”

“Let us not confuse this reality of My revelation to My People: The Law and the Prophets are not what I am all about: It is and forever will be about Jesus, My Son. Listen to Him alone.” Are we listening to Him … alone?

Part 2: What is central for you?  What is the core of your belief system? If all else in life was taken away, what would be left to believe in? Oh, we could say “Jesus alone!” But is that true?  Is Jesus alone enough?  Don’t answer that too quickly! Don’t be like a Peter! 

See what happened next in our passage? 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. Moses and Elijah are gone! And what was Peter’s response this time? Not a word. He had been to the mountaintop with Jesus and had this wonderful experience that only three of the 12 had. He might have been a little puffed up. “I had a Transfiguration Experience.  Did you? No, well, I did and that makes me special in God’s sight.” That is exactly what happened later on. Who is going to sit on Your Right side and on Your Left side? That was the two brothers but what about Peter? He had no place to go…! “Peter, it is not an experience you need.  You need ME!”

Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. Can you believe these guys? Two visitors from Heaven and all they can talk about is the meaning of words: “rising from the dead”

Jesus told them to keep these matters to themselves. Just between the four of us, guys! It will only bring jealous feelings out of the others. It is not the issue. The issue is that Jesus was set apart from the Ones the Jewish people and everyone else felt was really important. Sure the Law and the Prophets were important but they pointed to the day of Jesus. Not a matter of History.  It is a matter of Who Jesus Is!

God the Father told us who He was: “This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!” He is the final answer. He alone is the final authority. He is the whole round plug that fits into the place in our heart that is only made for Him to dwell in.  We are made for Him. He made us that way. We live better when He is central in our lives.  Central in our homes.  Central in our workplaces.  In our relationships. In our marriages. His size fills all our longings. He fits in our lives.  In all of Life, He is to be Central… "Listen to Him!”

Who we are: 私たちとは：

Who we are:

ICCS seeks to extend the transforming power of Christ through the world by ministering to the international and local community in Japan through worship, prayer, evangelism, lay training, and discipleship resulting in believers who are equipped and encouraged to stand firm in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

私たちとは：

ICCSは、祈り、伝道、一般信徒教育、弟子としての訓練を通して、イエス・キリストの福音に堅く立つべく整えられ励まされた信徒として、キリストにある力を海外や日本の近隣社会に対して広める務めを負っている。

The Faith of an Outsider: the Syrophoenician Woman

 Please read Mark 7:24-30.

OVERVIEW: Jesus went to an area around Tyre … north of Israel to minister to one lady!  That is why He went there.

     He entered a house there which may not have been Jewish—this was not a Jewish custom.

    He tried to be there in secret. He still needs rest and time alone.

   A woman fell at His feet. She rushed to Him AS SOON as she heard about Him. The stories that had been told to her-- she believed them. She had a real need: her daughter was possessed by an evil spirit.

   This woman was from Syrian Phoenicia—and a Greek. She was an outsider!

She begged Jesus to drive out the demon in her girl.

   This area was wild and very non-Jewish. In the past, it was the Canaanite tribes home land --not of the tribe of Israel. They were enemies of Israel. They practiced a decadent, depraved and idolatrous religion.

     Going way back after the Great Flood, Noah became drunk and his youngest son Ham was cursed because of his behavior with his father. Ham’s son, Canaan, was to live a life of servitude to his brothers (Gen 9:20-27).  His brother Shem became the father of Israelites, Moabites, Edomites and the Ammonites. (Gen 19:30 ff) 

     The Bible describes God cautioning the Tribe of Israel against the idolatry of the Canaanites and their fertility cult worship (Lev. 18:27). The Canaanites were driven out by Israel after 400+ years because of their lack of morality. One passage states that they were all to be killed once they were conquered by the Israelites (Deut. 20:16-17). “In the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—as the Lord your God has commanded you.” .

   When Israel was taken from the Land during the captivity, many of those still in the land were from many other areas of the known world and had intermarried with still other people groups. There was a need for the people to ‘find religion’ as there were many difficulties in the land. See how the area was resettled by the king of Assyria.

     2 Kings 17: 24 The king of Assyria brought people … settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns. 25 When they first lived there, they did not worship the LORD; so he sent lions among them and they killed some of the people. …

 27 Then the king of Assyria gave this order: “Have one of the priests you took captive from Samaria go back to live there and teach the people what the god of the land requires.” 28 So one of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria came to live in Bethel and taught them how to worship the LORD.

 29 Nevertheless, each national group made its own gods in the several towns where they settled, and set them up in the shrines the people of Samaria had made at the high places. … burned their children in the fire as sacrifices …  32 They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed all sorts of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places. 33 They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.

 34 To this day they persist in their former practices. They neither worship the LORD nor adhere to the decrees and ordinances, the laws and commands that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel. 35 When the LORD made a covenant with the Israelites, He commanded them: “Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them. …  37 You must always be careful to keep the decrees and ordinances, the laws and commands he wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. 38 Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. 39 Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is He who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

 40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. 41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.

   When the time of Jesus came around, those who lived in that area were considered way off base and outcast … even though they practiced some form of the Jewish faith they also worshiped as they had back when the King of Assyria ruled. They were outsiders.

     And this was this lady’s background.  There was nothing she could have done to change what she was.  And to add to the mix, this woman was a Greek.  She would be considered an unclean person … maybe not even considered a human! She was one of them, but there was a difference and Jesus saw it!

     Jesus’ first response to her is somewhat alarming. Sounds so racial, so harsh.  In effect, he called her a dog.  Not so kind.  At first sight, I was concerned that Jesus was bowing to social pressure and disregarding compassion.  But, look at this again.  He allows her to continue to request help AND He sees in her more than a seed of Faith. 

     Many times in Jesus’ ministry, He would be teaching concerning a certain topic and then, a short time later, would focus His attention on that very issue.  Such was the case here.  Just before this passage, He was doing some major teaching concerning the Jewish traditions of being clean and what was unclean.  He taught that to wash one’s hands was not as important as to have a clean heart.   The society there was ever so concerned about the need to observe many traditions of washing cups, pitchers and kettles. The religious leaders asked why His followers did not wash their hands ‘like they were supposed to.’  See Mark 7:6-8, 13-16.

     The key is in verse 15: Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him.  Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.’ ( … like being a Gentile … )

     Look again at His response to the woman.  He was addressing her the same way the leaders would—with their world-view covering over the Grace of God.  Black and white.  Our way or the wrong way.  But know this: God looks at the heart.  Jesus saw in her answer a great belief system.  She believed in Him. She believed in what she had heard about Him.  The testimony of His authority had reached her ears and that information gave way to belief.  

     How do people believe?

     Romans 10: 11-13 (The Message)  Scripture reassures us, "No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it." It's exactly the same no matter what a person's religious background may be: the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help. "Everyone who calls, 'Help, God!' gets help."

 14-17 But how can people call for help if they don't know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it?

… But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: "Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?" The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ's Word is preached, there's nothing to listen to.

What kind of faith did she have, this outsider? 

     -She had heard ‘things’ about Jesus. 

     -She acted upon what she had heard. 

     -Investigate the result with personal contact.

     -Kneels before Jesus.

     -Calls Him Lord.

     -Makes a request. 

    Simple, to the point.  Does not speak of differences in her faith like the woman at the well.  (She too was of this mixed race.) 

    She just said that she was in need of a touch on her girl.

 Conversation between the both sounds harsh, racial, and cruel. 

“children” = Israel.

“Dogs” Gentile/Greek, anyone who is NOT Jewish.

         • Jesus had just taught about clean and unclean.  This was not a matter of Jewish rules or tradition but of the heart. 

   Jesus was speaking as one IN the culture but heard as One from the Culture or Heart of God. God seeks those who seek Him---and who seek Him with a clean heart.

   Jesus spoke that it was not right for Him to spend any time with those who were not Jewish.  “Not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” Was He speaking of the bags of bread left over at the feeding of the 5,000?   Maybe, the 12 did not understand!

   She gave a great answer: Calls Him Lord! “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

   He was impressed with the answer.  Not the first time He said so about a non-Jew.  Said the same to the Centurion in Matt 8:10 When Jesus heard this, He was astonished and said to those following Him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith."

   He did not touch the daughter.  It was just His Word that was spoken.   

 Such Authority! 

                                                                                                           “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”

   She did not stick around.  She must have believed because she left Jesus and returned home to find her girl well!

     So, that leaves us with a question: How do you approach Jesus?  How much do you really need to know to put your trust in Him? What kind of faith do you have? How much does He require of you to know?  Know this: His ways are not our ways and His needs are not the long list we NEED to know or have.  He is looking for a people who both know Him and want to make Him known! 

     We don’t read about it in this passage but you can well believe this lady did not keep this healing to her self!  She would have told EVERYONE!  And why not?  I once was blind but now I see.  I was in darkness and now I am in the light.  I once was burdened with worry and care but He has set me free.  I have been touched by His healing touch! The Gospel is to be known.

     Our role…our job—is to be gossiping about Jesus.  Telling all about His Grace and mercy in our lives.  If you do not know Him that way now, you can.  How much did the lady know?  Not very much!  But it was enough to feed her faith.  Jesus saw that seed form of faith and rewarded her with the desire of her heart.  Her daughter was set free.

   Do you need to be set free as well?  Turn to Jesus.  Kneel before Him and call Him Lord of your life.  There is no need to clean up first! He will clean you up once you give it all to Him.  His death on the Cross opened the way for everyone--even an outsider--to come in and find His Love and Forgiveness.  You need to do that.  If you do ask for this forgiveness, kindly write to us at the International Community Chapel of Saitama at iccsjapan@aol.com and let us know about that.  We'd be honored to pray with you and for you.  Hope to hear from you soon!