A Mother’s Day Message: “A Mother’s Desperation Meets Determination”

 

A Mother’s Day Message

Introduction:

Good morning my brothers and sisters. Welcome to Eastern Shore Baptist Church. My name is Stuart Davidson and I am the pastor here. If you are visiting with us this morning, you are certainly our honored guests. If you are tuning in online with us this morning, welcome. 

Do you have a prayer request this morning? Let us know! Text your prayer request to 251-222-8977. We have prayer teams that would love to do nothing else than bear down for your prayer need. 

Sick relative? Let us know. 

Problems at work? Let us know. 

You have a huge final exam coming up? Let us know. 

I think that you get the drift. We are a praying church and we would love to have the honor of praying for you. 

Happy Mother’s Day as well. 

What would we do without mothers am I right?

Reminds me of a good story. A 15 year old boy came running into his home. He bounded up the stairs yelling for his mom. He burst into her room only to find his mother in her bed. She was pale. Her nose was runny and red. She was just finishing a large sneeze when he opened the door. He looked at her with great concern. He was worried about his dear precious mother. 

“Mom, how are you feeling?”, the boy asked. 

“As a matter of fact, I don’t feel to good. I think that I have the flu or maybe something worse”, his dear old mother proclaimed. 

The boy replied, “well don’t worry about dinner Mom, I’ll be happy to carry you down to the stove”.

I tell you what, there are days when I look back on my life and I am ever grateful for the love of my mother. I am the man I am today because of her love. I am the man that I am today because of her patience. I am the man that I am today because she didn’t kill me before my 18th birthday. 

I love you Mom. Happy Mother’s Day. 

So, what did you get your Mom for Mother’s Day? I know my boys have spent some time this week purchasing their Mom some gifts for Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is a bit sweeter for the Davidson home because Angela’s birthday often coincides with Mother’s Day. Kids it’s not to late to by your dear mother a present for Mother’s Day. 

I heard a story about a 5 year old boy who wanted to do something really special for his mother.  He made a list and went to his mom to share all the things that he was going to get for her. 

He said, “Mommy, I love you so much, and when Mother’s Day rolls around I am going to get you an electric iron, an electric stove, an electric toaster and an electric chair.”

I think we would agree that sometimes being a Mother is a dangerous game. Dangerous…yes…rewarding…of course. 

Brothers and sisters, this morning’s message is entitled “A Mother’s Desperation Meets Determination”.  

Today’s Message:

“A Mother’s Desperation Meets Determination”

The Story:

Church, today we are going to be reading from Matthew’s Gospel. Specifically chapter 15, verses 21 through 28. Jesus had just experienced a heated exchange with the Pharisees in Galilee. The Pharisees had criticized Jesus for not following all of their man made traditions. 

Friends, have you ever noticed that conflict and confrontation can take a lot out of a person? Trust me, no one dislikes conflict more than me. I don’t like using the word “hate” often, but I do hate conflict. Angela will tell you that conflict exhausts me. It stresses me out. Well here you have Jesus dealing with contention, conflict, and religious people being overly critical. What does Jesus do next? He retreats. Notice that I don’t say that Jesus runs. Jesus never ran from conflict. Jesus is brave and always bold. However, He is human. So to recharge the Scripture tells us that Jesus “withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon”. This area was a Gentile, non-Jewish area. Jesus would go to this place to retreat, to rest, to recharge His batteries. Still, even in this quiet place, a place where He was going to get away from the growing tension between the Jewish leaders, ministry finds Jesus. A persistent Canaanite mother shows up, interrupting His retreat with a plea of mercy. 

So while it looked like Jesus was stepping away from the spotlight, He was about to shine a powerful light of grace in this Gentile woman’s life. 

Do me a favor this morning. Under “Today’s Thought”, fill in these blanks. The Canaanite woman was an unlikely hero with an unshakable faith. 

Today’s Thought:

The Canaanite Woman Was An Unlikely Hero With An Unshakable Faith!

While studying for today’s message, I came across a great acknowledgment from a commentary written by James Boyce. Listen to what Professor Boyce had to say about this interaction between Jesus and this Canaanite mother. 

Today’s Quote:

“This woman’s faith was great because it was persistent, humble, and Christ-centered. She acknowledged her unworthiness, yet she trusted in Jesus’ mercy. Her example teaches us that true faith holds on to Christ even when He seems silent or distant.”

Professor James Boyce’s “Working Preacher Commentary”

Introduction of Today’s Scripture:

Today, we are going to be reading from Matthew 15:21-28. Im going to be reading this morning from the English Standard Version. As you turn in your Bibles there, I want to remind you that…

Statement of Belief:

We believe the Bible to be inspired, God breathed, infallible, and authoritative. We believe the Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training believer’s in righteousness. God’s Word gives life. It provides peace in trouble and protection in tribulation. It is alive, active, and cuts to the core of the human soul. Since there is no other book like it, let us stand to show our reverence and respect.

Today’s Scripture:

Matthew 15:21-28 ESV

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. [22] And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon." [23] But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying out after us." [24] He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." [25] But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." [26] And he answered, "It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." [27] She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." [28] Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.

3 Lessons The Canaanite Mother Models…

I. Her Plea: A Cry of Desperation vs. 22

So, let’s dive into this story and learn 3 lessons that the Canaanite mother models. First off, let’s look at her plea. She has a cry of desperation. This unnamed woman approaches Jesus with a plea straight from her heart. In doing so, you can see her desperation. You also get the feeling that this woman knew that Jesus was the one and only place that she could turn that might offer her hope. 

Go back go verse 22 this morning. 

And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon."

Friends, this mother’s desperation led her to do something counter cultural. Her daughter was being “oppressed” by a demon. What exactly does that mean? If you go back to the original Greek, the word being used here for “oppressed” is “Daimonizomai” (Die-mon-knee-zo-my). It is where we get our English word “demonize”. It means to be under the influence of a demon. The ancients knew the difference between “oppression” and “possession”. This child was not possessed but she was being tormented by a demon. This is a deep affliction. She was under deep spiritual attack. She was being attached mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

This girl was not just having a rough day. She was being spatially battered. She was being demonically assaulted. The torment that she was experiencing was intense, visible and heartbreaking. That’s why this desperate mother came running to Jesus. 

I will come back to that point in just a moment. 

Let’s talk about this mother for moment. Again this mother broke from cultural standards in order that her daughter might experience freedom. She was willing to buck the standards. She was willing to push aside the norms of the day for her daughter. 

Mom’s, is there anything you would not do to see healing come to your children? 

My oldest boy, as many of you know, had surgery a few weeks ago to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. Jay plays college baseball and that injury ended his season. It was heartbreaking for him. If I am being honest, it was heartbreaking for his Mom and Dad. I’ll never forget listening to Angela pray for him. In one of her prayers she told the Lord that she would do anything if it meant that Jay could not be hurt. She’d take the surgery if it meant that he didn’t have to. She’d do the therapy if he didn’t have to. She’d go through all the suffering and pain if it meant that he didn’t have to. Sadly, life doesn’t work that ways does it?

Well this mom was willing to do just about anything if it meant that her daughter could discover some relief. 

Think of the context of her situation. 

She was a woman in a male-dominated society, and culturally, women—especially Gentile women—didn’t approach Jewish rabbis directly, let alone cry out in public.

She was a Gentile. Jews and Gentiles didn’t typically mix, and many Jews saw Gentiles as outsiders to God’s promises.

She was a Canaanite, which carried a heavy historical weight. The Canaanites were longtime enemies of Israel—her identity alone would have stirred up cultural and religious tension.

She was loud and persistent, which would’ve seemed disrespectful or even inappropriate in public. The disciples wanted to send her away because she was “bothering” them (v. 23).

Moms I want to take a moment and do something: first I want to share with you a deep truth and 2. I want to encourage you. 

Let’s start with the deep truth. The deep truth is that there will come a day where you are desperate for your children. Your children will go through hardship. Difficulty will one day come and knock on the door of your son or daughter. Your child, at some point in their lives are sure to hurt. They will suffer. Your child may suffer with a disease. They may backslide in their faith. Your child as they age may lose their job. They may be on the receiving end of a divorce or broken relationship. They may run to a lifestyle alternative to which you have raised them to believe. As parents, as mothers, you will have days of sheer desperation for your children. Young mothers, look at the eyes of the older mothers in this room and you will see that I am telling you the truth. The babies that you hold in your arms today, will grow to see certain pain and definitive disappointment in their lives. This is hard to hear so prepare yourself for what I am teaching you. 

Now, let me encourage you. When desperation enters your world, run to Christ. Do whatever you have to do to carry your children to the throne of grace. Cry out to the Father for your children. Pray for them. Never ever give up on your children. Never quit on them. Keep praying for them to come home, to find their way. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 34:17 that “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.”

In fact, that leads me to my next point. 

3 Lessons The Canaanite Mother Models…

I. Her Plea: A Cry of Desperation vs. 22

II. Her Persistence: A Challenge of Her Faith vs. 23-25

Our second lesson this morning that this Canaanite woman models for us is persistence. Despite silence and what appeared to be rejection, this mother persists revealing a deep and sincere faith. In verse 23 through 25, Jesus challenges her faith. 

[23] But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying out after us." [24] He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." [25] But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me."

So here we are in the middle of this story, and things take an unexpected turn. You’d think Jesus would hear this mother’s desperate cry and immediately rush to help. But nope—He doesn’t say a word. Crickets. And to make matters worse, the disciples start getting irritated. “Jesus, can you send her away? She’s really starting to embarrass us.” Ever been there? Ever felt like your prayers hit the ceiling and bounced right back down? This woman did too—but she didn’t quit.

Look at verse 24: Jesus finally speaks, but His words seem sharp—“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Ouch. And yet, what does this mother do in verse 25? She leans in closer. She doesn’t walk away offended, she falls on her knees and simply says, “Lord, help me.” No long speech. No dramatic scene. Just three words packed with faith and persistence.

Here’s what we can learn: real faith doesn’t flinch when God seems silent.

Real faith presses in when the answer seems delayed. 

Real faith doesn’t flinch when God seems silent.

Real faith doesn’t fold when the door doesn’t open.

Real faith doesn’t pout when the answer isn’t instant.

Real faith doesn’t give up just because others do.

Real faith doesn’t rely on feelings to keep going.

Real faith doesn’t panic when the wait gets long.

Real faith doesn’t get bitter when the road gets hard.

Real faith doesn’t need the crowd’s approval to keep praying.

Real faith doesn’t back down when the test gets personal.

Real faith doesn’t walk away—it kneels and says, “Lord, help me.”

This mother models what James was getting at when he wrote:

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” — James 1:2–4 NLT

This mom was in a full-blown faith workout—and her endurance was showing. She could’ve gotten offended. She could’ve walked away. She could’ve told Jesus, “Forget it. I’ll figure this out myself.” But she stayed in it. She kept asking. Kept hoping. Kept kneeling.

Can I encourage you this morning? Some of you have been praying for your kids for years. Don’t stop now. Maybe you’re worn out, or your prayers feel unanswered. Keep going. Keep trusting. Keep knocking on heaven’s door. Persistence in prayer isn’t nagging God—it’s trusting Him enough to keep showing up.

Reminds me of Kevin, Leah and their son John. John grew up in this very church. John was a great kid and he was a fine man. Still, like a lot of kids, John made a left turn when he should have turned right. He got involved with the wrong people. He went down the road of addiction. It broke his parent’s heart. For years, Kevin and Leah pursued their son. They prayed for him. No doubt, Leah and Kevin wore out their knees lifting John to the Lord. I can remember so many discussions with them, begging me to pray for their prodigal son. John, even through addiction, possessed a good heart. We threw open the doors of this church to him. He went to Haiti two times with Bryant and Josh years ago. He went on other mission trips to Paris with his mom and Brenda Taylor, right here from church. He would read his Bible, pray, come to church. Still, addiction wouldn’t let him go. He would run the race that so many people run. He would get clean only to seemingly fall deeper down the hole. Still, Leah and Kevin never would give up on their beloved John. Prayer after prayer. Time and time again, the cycle seemed to repeat itself. Years later, I am happy to report that John is now clean. Three and a half years now John has been walking the narrow road to productivity to Christ. John and his parents credit their faith in Christ and the persistent dedicated prayers to his freedom. 

Friends, the Canaanite mother didn’t give up, and as we’re about to see in verse 28, she didn’t just get an answer—she got something even better. She got a commendation. She received a prize that every parent praying in faith longs to hear.

Let’s look at that now in our final point…

3 Lessons The Canaanite Mother Models…

I. Her Plea: A Cry of Desperation vs. 22

II. Her Persistence: A Challenge of Her Faith vs. 23-25

III. Her Prize: A Commendation of Great Faith vs. 28

This Canaanite mother pleaded with Christ, a cry of desperation. She showed amazing persistence in the challenge of her faith. Lastly, we see her prize. Jesus gives her credit and commendation for her great faith. 

Look at what happens friends! 

“Jesus acknowledges her great faith, resulting in the immediate healing of her daughter.”

Let’s go back and read verse 28 this morning. 

Matthew 15:28 ESV

Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.

Now let’s land the plane with this final lesson—her prize. After all the desperation and all the persistence, this mother receives something so much deeper than just the healing of her daughter (which, of course, did happen). She receives one of the highest compliments Jesus ever gave anyone. Look at verse 28:

“Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.”

Did you catch that? Great is your faith! Jesus didn’t say that to just anybody. In fact, He didn’t say that to many Jews—He said it here, to a Gentile mother, one of the most unlikely recipients of His praise. Her faith passed the test. Her prayers were answered. Her daughter was set free.

Now, let’s pause and deal with the elephant in the text. Some people get hung up on what Jesus says in verse 26, when He tells the woman,

“It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

At first glance, that seems… harsh. Some critics have even claimed Jesus was being dismissive, unkind, or worse—racist. But let’s be clear: Jesus was not insulting this woman—He was inviting her deeper. The Greek word He used for “dogs” isn’t the word for wild street dogs, but for little house pets—“kynarion”, meaning beloved, cared-for animals who lived inside the home. It was a common Jewish phrase used to draw the distinction between Jews (the covenant people) and Gentiles (outsiders). Jesus wasn’t shutting the door on her—He was testing her heart, drawing out her faith, and setting the stage for a kingdom truth: the gospel is going to the nations.

And how does she respond? Not with offense. Not with attitude. She simply says, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” That’s faith. That’s humility. That’s a mama who isn’t leaving without a blessing.

And it moves the heart of Christ.

That’s exactly what Hebrews 11:6 says:

“Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6 CSB

This woman believed, and Jesus rewarded. That’s how faith works. Not flashy faith, but persistent, humble, gritty, kneeling-at-His-feet kind of faith. That’s what pleases God. That’s what moves the hand of heaven.

Moms, can I encourage you today? God sees your faith. He hears your cries. He hasn’t missed one tear you’ve cried over your children. Your prayers may feel like they’re bouncing off the walls—but they’re not. They’re building something eternal. So don’t quit. Don’t lose heart. Stay on your knees and keep knocking on heaven’s door. Because just like this Canaanite mother, your faith is not in vain. Your story is still being written. And Jesus rewards those who seek Him.

Thank God For Persistent Prayerful Mothers!