12th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28

Preaching Commentary

Approaching a Difficult Text

I think it’s good to start with the observation that Matthew 15:21-28 is not an easy or straightforward text. Trying to turn it into an easy text will probably leave your congregation with many questions unanswered and feelings unaddressed.

I will use the various ways someone could hear and experience this text as a framework for examining the preaching themes. You don’t need to focus on all of these, but people will usually walk further with you if you first help them feel seen.

Praise for Persistence and Faithfulness

The bullet point summary way of seeing this text is that this woman was faithful and persistent, so Jesus…