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the other woman

Matthew 15:22
"And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil."

Our study of Women of Faith in the Holy Bible has helped us to understand that it is the unsung heroes that maintain our FAITH. By example they show us that when we live in FAITH according to GOD'S plan we benefit from HIS GRACE, COMPASSION & GOODNESS. 

This week we catch up with Jesus after He has performed miracles that angered the Pharisees. Jesus is taking the Disciples on the road OUT of Israel toward the ancient port cities of Tyre and Sidon. Israel failed to conquer Sidon as they claimed the Promised Land back in the Old Testament days. Ever since then, Tyre and Sidon have been thorns in the side of Israel and often led them into idolatry. We should appreciate that the Disciples would have been a little stressed in this situation.

In today's verses Jesus is approached by a local woman; "And, behold, a woman of CANAAN came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, HAVE MERCY ON ME, O Lord, Thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil." This desperate lady is NOT Jewish. Mark's Gospel describes her as "Greek." Some translations will call her “Syro-PhÅ“nician." While she was seen as "OTHER" by the Disciples we start to get the idea that she has FAITH and is a believer. She is seeking out the Messiah and praying the prayer every believer utters at some point in their life; "HAVE MERCY ON ME!"

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