WARM UP

1. The disciples were slow to understand Jesus’ mission and needed a lot of re-teaching. When is a time you tried something new that took a long time to learn? Maybe a subject in school, a hobby, or a new job? Did you stick with it or move on?

 

2. For many of us, this weekend’s passage is one of the most difficult and confusing in the Bible. Was there any part that you found challenging or encouraging? Did it change how you view Jesus, faith, or the people He chose to serve?

• Conversational Caution: The story of the Canaanite woman may bring up sensitive experiences like unanswered prayer, silence from God, and discouragement. Be alert! You may need to protect the safety you have helped create through discussion over the last 8 weeks.

 

KNOW IT

1. Read Luke 18:1–8. Reflecting on the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 and the persistent widow in Luke 18, how do these women challenge and deepen our understanding of persistent prayer? What do their boldness and refusal to give up teach us about faith when God seems silent or distant?

• Conversational Caution: There is most likely pain connected to some of the unanswered prayers of your group. Unanswered prayers for healing, restoration within a relationship, or a prodigal child are extremely painful. Be careful that no one implies that persistence guarantees a desired answer.

 

2. As we heard this weekend, Jesus explicitly calls someone’s faith “great” only twice: the Roman centurion in Matthew 8, and the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15. Both belonged to groups in conflict with Israel and were looked down on in their society. What does it say about Jesus that He chose to recognize, heal, and honor the most reviled and rejected among them?

• Additional Questions: What barriers might have discouraged these individuals from approaching Jesus? Are there people today whose faith might surprise us?

 

SHARE IT 

1. The Pharisees were baffled and offended by Jesus’ care for outsiders and His disregard for the traditions of man (Matthew 9:10-13, 12:1-2, 12:9-14, 12:38-39, 15:1-3). Have you ever been surprised or even unsettled by God’s grace toward someone you didn’t think deserved it? Since we are commanded to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), how would it feel to pray for God to bless and heal those who frustrate or upset you?

• Conversational Caution: This is a high-risk question that puts a spotlight on the daily friction you and I face as a disciple: extending grace to those we struggle to love. Don’t allow your group to camp in judgement or resentment. Guide them to reexamining God’s grace and its power to reshape our hearts and transform our reactions to our enemies.

 

2. Jesus went 50 miles out of His way to show the true reach of His redemptive love by healing the Canaanite woman’s daughter. Share 2-3 ways God has gone out of His way for you.

• Additional Thought: This is an important question and could become a pivotal part of your overall discussion. This question promotes spiritual reflection by giving your group the opportunity to share God’s faithfulness and to remember His work in their lives.
• Additional Verse: Luke 19:12 – For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
• Group Dynamic Tip: If discussion stalls, invite people to think about different parts of their life:
  • Before they started following Jesus
  • Difficult season, trial, or hardship
  • Unexpected provision (help, encouragement, wisdom)
  • Moment of conviction (something they needed to change)
  • Life redirected (a significant change of plan)

 

LIVE IT

1. Think about something you’ve prayed for that never received an answer, or that got an answer you didn’t want. In other words, a time when you felt like you were getting the silent treatment from Jesus. In light of this study, how can you surrender that situation or feeling to God this week?

• Group Dynamic Tip: Consider giving a moment of quiet reflection before your group answers this question.
• Additional Thought: This question invites your group to recognize that faith includes seasons of uncertainty. Scripture is full of faithful people who experienced:
  • waiting
  • silence
  • unanswered prayer

Yet their faith deepened through those seasons. The goal is not to attempt to determine the reason for God’s silence in one’s life, but to hopefully assist them in how to bring disappointment honestly before God.

 

2. This week, your Life Group will take communion. The bread represented Jesus’ body and the wine His blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The Canaanite woman came for crumbs, yet Jesus gave her (and us) the fullness of Himself. As you take communion, remember: He offers not crumbs, but all of Himself.