INTRODUCTION
Mark 7:24-30 recounts the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman (reproduced here from the New King James Version).

²⁴ From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden. ²⁵For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. ²⁶The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. ²⁷But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”  ²⁸And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.”  ²⁹Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”  ³⁰And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.

The story of the Syro-Phoenician woman is an encouragement to us that God responds to simple faith.  Yesterday, we saw that faith requires the humble realization of our need.  Please CLICK HERE to read that post.

POINT 2: FAITH REQUIRES HEARING
Secondly, the Syro-Phoenician woman heard about Christ (verse 25).  Hearing and faith are vitally connected.  When people hear good news, it produces joy and excitement.  Hearing good news can also bring encouragement and inspire faith.  What did the woman hear?  She heard that Jesus saves souls, heals bodies, and frees captives.  She heard that nothing is impossible with him.  She heard that the heart of the Lord is full of love, mercy, and compassion.  The things that the woman heard strengthened her faith and convinced her of the tremendous power of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We also need to hear something good about the Savior.  Faith is built in our hearts when we hear the proclamation of the Word of God.  Because God’s Word is so powerful, it causes change in our hearts and circumstances.  The Syro-Phoenician woman heard about Christ and became convinced of his mighty power.  We too can expect the Savior to meet us at our point of need!

What good things have you been hearing about the Savior?  Allow these truths to encourage you today and to inspire your faith!

Discussion Questions
Here are a few discussion questions to help you and your loved ones delve deeper into today's topic.

• Reflecting on the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman, what do you think were the key aspects of Jesus' character and power that she heard about which strengthened her faith?
• How does hearing about Jesus' ability to save, heal, and show compassion impact your own faith journey? Have you had experiences where hearing about Jesus' power and love strengthened your faith?
• In what ways do you think the proclamation of the Word of God can bring about change in our hearts and circumstances today? Can you share any personal examples or stories of how hearing the Word of God impacted you or someone you know?
• How can we ensure that we are actively listening to and engaging with the message of the Gospel in our daily lives? What practices or habits can help us cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jesus' power and love?
• Have you ever encountered moments of doubt or skepticism about Jesus' power and love? How did you overcome those doubts, and what role did hearing about Jesus' character and deeds play in that process?
• How can we share the good news about Jesus with others in a way that inspires faith and encourages them to believe in his power and love? What strategies or approaches have you found effective in sharing the Gospel with friends, family, or others in your community?

Blessings,
Wilfred Graves Jr.
www.wilfredgraves.org