August 20th Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Matthew 15:21-28 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Bold Moves |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Bold Moves
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly
[Reading above - Matthew 15:21-28]
Jesus is on the move. He travels across the Sea of Galilee to its villages and people to teach, heal and feed. So far Jesus’ interactions have been primarily with his people, the Jewish people. In fact, when he sent his disciples to practice advancing his mission, Jesus had them go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Mathew 10:6). Though notably, there is also added in the narrative the story of Jesus’ healing the Roman centurion’s servant (Mathew 8:5-13). Today’s passage places Jesus on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in a predominantly gentile region. There Jesus meets a local who needs the healing actions of Jesus for her daughter. The dialogue explores the scope and audience of Jesus’ mission and message and highlights the assertiveness and faith of the gentile woman.
Questions for Reflection:
Jesus’ response to the woman’s request is uncharacteristic. Whereas in the previous chapter Jesus is characterized by compassion (14:14), in this passage Jesus seems reluctant, even rude. What do you think is going on? Why is Jesus presented in this way?
Jesus does not answer the woman’s plea. He seems to be forcing the disciples to answer this request. Why would Jesus do this? What do you think of the disciples’ response?
Jesus does eventually engage the woman and, in the end, fulfills her request. What does the banter between the persistent and trusting woman and Jesus mean? How does it relate to the divisions between people in our place and time?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Set aside some time this week to go deep into this story. In a quiet place read slowly through the story out loud a few times. Think about these questions: who do you relate to in the story? What word or phrase seems to jump off the page at you? What might the God who is still speaking want you to learn and apply to your daily living?
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures, respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes, make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons, create a to-do list of discipleship actions, list questions you want to explore, write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
