How Much is Enough for You? (Matthew 15:22-28)

A buffet creates excitement within some of us, especially those who want to gorge themselves on food. There is something irresistible to be presented with a spread of food, all for your taking, with no restrictions.

But what would happen if you saw all of your friends invited to a banquet buffet and all you could do was observe? Instead of partaking of this buffet, all you were allowed were the remnants? Instead of the succulent cut of prime rib, you would be given a bone that had most, if not all, of the meat sliced and torn away. A luscious pie would be reduced to crumbled crust. Would you be satisfied with that?

And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon- possessed.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”  But He answered and said, “ I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “ It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “ O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Matthew 15:22-28

This Canaanite woman was more than happy to accept the crumbs if it meant that Jesus would heal her daughter. The Canaanites were outsiders, separate from the Jews. She knew that Jesus was sent first to the Jews, as their King and Messiah. But she also knew that the entire world would be blessed by God’s Kingdom. Hence she persisted in asking Jesus for healing, willing to take any little bit of His blessing, even if meant the “crumbs”.

Our values have been turned upside down by the world. We think bigger is better. We need new and different activities to continue to stimulate our insatiable appetites. And once we partake, it only temporarily satisfies us, egging us on toward the next big or new thing. How much of God’s goodness, provision, and mercy is enough for you? Will you be grateful for any part of God’s mercy or will you be arrogant demanding that God give you everything you ask for? Do you demand the entire banquet buffet from God? Or can you accept any gift from God, no matter how seemingly small it seems?

God grants His mercy to those who follow Him, to those who call upon the name of His Son, Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God has already given us more than enough by giving us His Son to die on the Cross so that He may be resurrected and bring us into right fellowship with God. How much is enough for you? God has exceeding abundantly given all we could have ever asked for and more.

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.