Sermon Notes (Mark 7:1-23)
Jesus continues to encounter situations that involve what determines who is in or out of the people of God.
In Mark 7:1-23, Jesus encountered unclean things, but what about unclean people? If anyone was “unclean”
(unfit to be part of God’s people), it would be the Syrophoenician woman. She was, according to traditional Israelite tradition, a pagan outsider. But this does not stop her from approaching Jesus in her desperate need. This may not surprise us. But what does surprise us is Jesus’ response to her initial request.
Questions for Reflection
Memory Verses
Ephesians 2:19-20
Jesus continues to encounter situations that involve what determines who is in or out of the people of God.
In Mark 7:1-23, Jesus encountered unclean things, but what about unclean people? If anyone was “unclean”
(unfit to be part of God’s people), it would be the Syrophoenician woman. She was, according to traditional Israelite tradition, a pagan outsider. But this does not stop her from approaching Jesus in her desperate need. This may not surprise us. But what does surprise us is Jesus’ response to her initial request.
Questions for Reflection
- What is your response to this this passage?
- In what kind of tone do you think Jesus is speaking in 7:27? Is Jesus’ using “dog” as a kind of racial slur against the woman? Is it a term of endearment? Is Jesus quoting an accepted Jewish phrase?
- What do you make of the woman’s response?
- Why do you think Jesus was so impressed with the woman?
- Bonus: How does Ephesians 2 shed light on this passage?
- What is the main point of this passage? Talk with the Lord about it.
- Praise/Thank the Lord for the attributes, actions, and promises found in these passages.
- Confess any sins in your life this passage reveals.
- Finish the following: “Lord, help me/us to…”
Memory Verses
Ephesians 2:19-20
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