The Overlooked Gospel
Now You’ve Got My Attention
Mark 7:1-30

Syrophoenician woman and her daughter (Mark 7:24-30)

A Gentile. A Canaanite woman. A pagan.
Single woman, mother to a young daughter who happens to be demon-possessed.

Jesus’ response (Romans 1:16, Acts 13:44-48)

The wrong person at the wrong time.

You’re a Gentile. It isn’t your turn. Not yet. (Ephesians 2:12)

Jesus’ analogy
The woman’s reaction gets Jesus’ attention
Jesus heals her daughter

Seven things she did that demonstrated the faith that was in her heart
She traveled to Jesus
She came alone
She sought him out
She plead her case
She discerned his willingness
She appealed to his mercy
She left Jesus, believing Jesus

Don’t write people off or rule people out. God is bigger than our categories.

Jesus is more willing than we’ll ever know. 

Four things that always get God’s attention (Psalm 51)
Honesty
Trust
Brokenness
Hope

The Pharisees too got God’s attention, but for a much different reason.

Conflict with the Pharisees (Mark 7:1-23)

The Pharisees bring an accusation against Jesus
Your disciples are breaking the rules
You’re doing nothing about it

Traditions of the Elders
Traditions superseded Scripture (Matthew 23:13)

This Kingdom of God isn’t about rules and regulations – externals.
Jesus illustrates their hypocrisy.

Don’t miss this! (Mark 7:14-19)
We sin because our hearts are sinful. Our hearts are not sinful because we sin.

The Application (Mark 7:20-23)
Rules will never make you acceptable to God. Only a new heart.
(Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Chronicles 16:9)

Maybe today you are the Syrophoenician woman.
Be honest with God about your condition.
Be as broken before God as you really are. Don’t pretend.
Trust in God’s willingness to care for you. Believe that he is God, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Hope in God’s love for you.

Maybe today you are the Pharisee.
You’ve been building a resume instead of cultivating a relationship.
Burn the resume and embrace the relationship.
Accept His free gift of salvation today. 

Maybe today you are simply one of Jesus’ disciples.
Nobody is outside of God’s willingness and ability to rescue, to save.
God looks at the heart. Care for your heart.