Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost, August 20, 2017, by Pastor Kent Schaaf, of Grace Lutheran Church, Grass Valley, CA.

Sermon Text: Matthew 15:21-28
Sermon Theme: “Divisions Healed”

Old Testament: Isaiah 56:1, 6–8
Epistle: Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32
Holy Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28

The Church Lives Under the Cross of Christ and Prays in the Hope of His Mercy

By her persistent prayer that Jesus would have mercy and help her (Matt. 15:22, 24), and even in the face of His initial silence and apparent rejection (Matt. 15:23–26), the Canaanite woman boldly confessed her faith in Him (Matt 15:27–28). Her beautiful example encourages us to cling to the words and promises of the Gospel, even in the face of the Law that accuses and condemns us. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29), and His Law “has consigned all to disobedience” for the very purpose “that he may have mercy on all” (Rom. 11:32). Hence, the woman’s faith and hope were not disappointed, but her prayers were answered in the mercy of Christ. Not only does He grant us the crumbs from His table, but He also feeds us with “the children’s bread” in the house of His Father (Matt. 15:26–27). He has brought us to His “holy mountain,” and He makes us joyful in His house, where He hears our prayers and accepts our sacrifice of praise upon the altar of His cross (Is. 56:7).