METHODIST DAILY REFLECTION FOR TODAY MONDAY, 7TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - STUBBORN FAITH
DATE: MONDAY, 7TH SEPTEMBER 2026
THEME: STUBBORN FAITH
PASSAGE: MARK 7:24-29
24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.
29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
MESSAGE:
We should read Matt. 15: 21-28 for the same story for a clearer understanding of it. In Matthew's account, Jesus commended the woman for her "great Faith." We must have great faith for our prayer and requests to be answered.
Here in Mk 7:24-29 we read the story of a Syrophenician woman whose daughter is demon-possessed. She approaches Jesus and, despite His initial reluctance to help being a Gentile, she persists and demonstrates a strong faith. Her persistent faith, even when confronted with a perceived barrier, ultimately leads Jesus to heal her daughter.
This passage talks about the Gentile inclusion. It is a significant turning point in Mark's Gospel, demonstrating that salvation extends to the Gentiles and not just the Jews only! The woman's faith and Jesus' response foreshadow the broader outreach of the Gospel to all nations.
Faith and humility displayed by the woman's faith, even in the face of Jesus' initial hesitation, is a powerful example of humble and persistent belief. The passage highlights the overcoming of cultural and religious barriers between Jews and the Gentiles; suggesting that faith is the ultimate bridge. Jesus' initially hesitating, suggests that He is primarily sent to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24).
Jesus uses the analogy of a dog eating crumbs from the master's table to explain that, while she may be a Gentile, she is still worthy of grace and a blessing. The word "dogs" is used of gentiles or unbelievers and false teachers by the Jews. Finally, because of her persistence and faith, her daughter was healed.
We, too, must be persist in our faith like the Syrophenician woman and the centurion (Matt. 8:10). and trust in Jesus to give answers to our prayers.,
MEMORY VERSE:
"And she answered and said unto Him, yes, Lord, yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs." Mark 7:28
HYMN: MHB 402 (8.8.8.8, and refrain) FAITH of our fathers living still
1. fAITH of our fathers, living still
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword,
O how our hearts beat high with
Joy Whene'er we hear that glorious word.
Ref: Faith of our fathers Holy faith
We will be true to thee till death.
2. Our fathers,chained In prisons dark,
Were still In heart and conscience free;
And blest would be their children's fate,
Though they, like them, should die for thee.
3. Faith of our fathers God's great power
Shall soon all nations win for thee;
And through the truth that comes from
God Mankind shall then indeed be free.
4. Faith of our fathers We will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach thee,too, as love knows how,
By kindly words and virtuous life.
PRAYER
Help me, O God, to have great faith that can move mountains and cast out demons, for in Jesus' Name. Amen.
READ:
DAY: Ezekiel 13-14
NIGHT: Ezekiel 15