”Mothering Sunday”, Malcolm Cox, Watford Church of Christ

Introduction
* Celebration
* But also a hard time for some
* God as mother
* “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15 NIV11)
* Paul as mother
* “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 NIV11)
* 345 refs

Bible Example: The Canaanite woman, Matthew 15.22-28
* What is significant about the fact she is a Canaanite woman?
* How is she feeling?
* What is behind Jesus’s statement:
* ““It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”” (Matthew 15:26 NIV11)
* “First let the children eat all they want,” Mk 7.27
* Why does Jesus commend her for her faith?
* Impressive humility
* She is satisfied with being under the table.
* She is satisfied with crumbs.
* She is satisfied with simply being in the house.
* Humility driven by concern.
* Her pain drove her to Jesus
* He has what she needs

My Mother’s Example
* Have always felt my mother had my best interests at heart.
* Her life…….
* Early days, morning routine in Luton.
* Praying with me every night.
* “Come into my heart Lord Jesus”
* God sings over us - Zeph 3
* Realness with God, but not giving up
* Perseverance - a sign of faith and humility
* Her pain drove her to Jesus
* He has what she needs

Application
* Everyone is welcome at Jesus’s table.
* Be real
* Ask for what you need
* Trust him
* Be happy with the crumbs - you are in the house!

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, Coach.me, coaching, coach me, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer,