THE CHILDREN'S BREAD

THE CHILDREN'S BREAD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 15:21-28

Key Verse: Matthew 15:26
“But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.”

Supporting Texts: Psalm 23:1; Exodus 23:25-26; Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 7:7-11; Mark 7:24-30; John 6:35; Philippians 4:19; 1 Peter 2:24

Description: The children's bread speaks of the blessings, healing, deliverance, provision and covenant benefits that God makes available to those who belong to Him through Christ.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew 15, a Canaanite woman came to Jesus because her daughter was grievously tormented by a devil. She cried for mercy, but Jesus initially appeared not to respond. When she persisted, Jesus spoke about the children's bread. Though the statement was a test of her faith and highlighted the priority of His earthly mission to Israel, the woman's response revealed remarkable humility and determination.

The expression “the children's bread” presents an important spiritual principle. Bread represents nourishment and sustenance, but in the context of this passage it also points to what belongs within the household. The woman understood that even the crumbs falling from the master's table were sufficient to bring deliverance to her daughter. Her faith refused to leave empty-handed.

As believers, we must understand our position in Christ and the provisions of God's grace. We must not live below what God has made available to us. There is spiritual nourishment for the hungry, healing for the broken, grace for the weak, strength for the weary and provision for God's children. We must approach the Father's table with faith, humility and persistence.

1. GOD HAS PROVISION FOR HIS CHILDREN

God is not a careless Father. He knows what His children need and has made provision for them according to His wisdom and grace.

a. God Knows What You Need (Matthew 6:31-32) — Your heavenly Father knows your needs even before you ask Him.

b. The Lord Is Your Shepherd (Psalm 23:1) — When God is your Shepherd, you can trust Him for provision and care.

c. God Supplies Your Needs (Philippians 4:19) — God's riches are sufficient to meet the legitimate needs of His children.

d. God Is A Good Father (Matthew 7:9-11) — The goodness of earthly fathers points to the greater goodness of our heavenly Father.

Biblical Example: God provided manna for Israel in the wilderness when they had no natural source of food (Exodus 16:4-15).

2. THE CHILDREN'S BREAD SPEAKS OF COVENANT PRIVILEGE

Jesus' statement reveals the distinction between what belongs to the household and what is outside it. Through Christ, believers have been brought into God's family.

a. We Become Children Of God Through Faith (John 1:12) — Those who receive Christ are given the privilege of becoming God's children.

b. We Are Heirs Of God's Promise (Galatians 3:29) — In Christ, believers become heirs according to God's promise.

c. We Have Access To The Father (Ephesians 2:18) — Through Christ, we have access to God by one Spirit.

d. We Are Members Of God's Household (Ephesians 2:19) — Believers are no longer strangers but members of God's family.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son returned to his father's house and was restored to the privileges of sonship (Luke 15:20-24).

3. FAITH MUST REACH FOR WHAT GOD HAS PROVIDED

The Canaanite woman did not allow the apparent obstacle to destroy her faith. She believed that Jesus had the answer to her daughter's condition.

a. Faith Comes To Jesus (Matthew 15:22) — She went directly to Jesus because she believed He could help her.

b. Faith Recognises Divine Authority (Matthew 15:22) — She called Jesus “Lord”, acknowledging His authority.

c. Faith Refuses To Stop At Silence (Matthew 15:23) — Jesus' initial silence did not make her abandon her request.

d. Faith Holds On To God's Mercy (Matthew 15:27) — She continued believing that even what appeared small could bring a great miracle.

Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd because she believed touching Jesus' garment would bring healing (Mark 5:25-34).

4. PERSISTENCE CAN TURN A TEST INTO A TESTIMONY

The Canaanite woman was tested, but she refused to leave. Her persistence revealed the strength of her faith.

a. Do Not Give Up When The Answer Delays (Luke 18:1) — Jesus taught His disciples to pray continually and not faint.

b. Keep Asking, Seeking And Knocking (Matthew 7:7) — Persistent faith continues to approach God.

c. Let Delays Deepen Your Faith (James 1:3-4) — Testing can produce endurance and spiritual maturity.

d. Continue Until The Answer Comes (Galatians 6:9) — We must not abandon our faithfulness because the harvest is delayed.

Biblical Example: Blind Bartimaeus continued crying out to Jesus even when the crowd told him to be quiet, and his persistence resulted in his healing (Mark 10:46-52).

5. HUMILITY POSITIONS US TO RECEIVE FROM GOD

The woman's response demonstrated extraordinary humility. She did not argue with Jesus; she humbled herself and trusted His mercy.

a. God Gives Grace To The Humble (James 4:6) — Humility positions us to receive God's grace.

b. Humility Acknowledges God's Authority (Matthew 15:27) — The woman accepted Jesus' authority rather than demanding her own terms.

c. Humility Depends On Mercy (Luke 18:13-14) — Those who recognise their need for God are positioned to receive His mercy.

d. Humility Precedes Honour (Proverbs 15:33) — God honours those who walk humbly before Him.

Biblical Example: The Roman centurion recognised his unworthiness and trusted Jesus' authority, resulting in the healing of his servant (Matthew 8:5-13).

6. JESUS IS THE BREAD THAT SUSTAINS OUR LIVES

Beyond physical provision, the greatest provision God gives us is Christ Himself. Jesus is the Bread of Life.

a. Jesus Is The Bread Of Life (John 6:35) — Whoever comes to Christ receives spiritual satisfaction.

b. Jesus Satisfies Spiritual Hunger (John 6:51) — Christ gives life that extends beyond this present world.

c. God's Word Nourishes The Spirit (Matthew 4:4) — Human life requires more than physical food; we need God's Word.

d. We Must Continually Feed On Christ (John 6:56-57) — Spiritual life requires ongoing fellowship with Jesus.

Biblical Example: Jesus fed the five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, demonstrating His power to satisfy human need abundantly (Matthew 14:13-21).

7. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CONDITION TO MAKE YOU FORGET YOUR ACCESS

The Canaanite woman's situation was desperate, but she refused to allow her daughter's condition to make her withdraw from Jesus.

a. Bring Your Need To Jesus (1 Peter 5:7) — God invites us to cast our cares upon Him.

b. Desperation Can Drive You To God (Psalm 42:1-2) — A deep awareness of need can intensify our pursuit of God.

c. Do Not Let Circumstances Silence Your Faith (Romans 4:19-21) — Abraham did not allow impossible circumstances to destroy his confidence in God's promise.

d. Keep Your Focus On Christ (Hebrews 12:2) — Jesus remains the source and object of our faith.

Biblical Example: Jairus came to Jesus when his daughter was dying and continued to trust Him even after receiving news that she had died (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43).

8. THE TABLE OF GOD'S GRACE IS GREATER THAN YOUR PAST

The woman was a Canaanite, yet she came to Jesus and received mercy. Her background did not prevent her from experiencing God's intervention.

a. Christ Breaks Down Barriers (Ephesians 2:13-14) — Jesus brings those who were far away near through His blood.

b. Grace Is Greater Than Our Past (Romans 5:20) — God's grace can overcome the power and consequences of sin.

c. God Looks At Faith (Matthew 15:28) — Jesus commended the woman's great faith.

d. Your Past Does Not Have The Final Word (2 Corinthians 5:17) — In Christ, there is a new creation.

Biblical Example: Rahab, a woman from a pagan background, became part of God's redemptive story through faith (Joshua 2:9-14; Matthew 1:5).

CONCLUSION

The children's bread speaks to the goodness of God and His provision for those who belong to Him. The Canaanite woman teaches us that faith must be persistent, humble and determined. She would not allow silence, opposition or her background to stop her from reaching Jesus. She believed that there was enough mercy at the Master's table for her need.

Today, come to Jesus with confidence and faith. Feed on His Word, trust His promises and refuse to give up. There is grace for your journey, strength for your weakness, provision for your need and healing for your brokenness. May you receive what God has prepared for you and may your testimony bring glory to His name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for making me Your child through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, give me grace to recognise and receive Your provision for my life, in Jesus name.

3. Father, increase my faith to believe You even when circumstances appear impossible, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me grace not to give up when my answers are delayed, in Jesus name.

5. Father, deliver me from pride and give me a humble heart before You, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let every spiritual hunger in my life be satisfied through Christ, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let every legitimate need in my life receive divine provision, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let every condition that has resisted Your intervention receive a divine turnaround, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let nothing from my past hinder me from receiving Your grace and promises, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my household experience the goodness, mercy and provision of the Father's table, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall not live beneath the provision of God's grace for your life.

2. Every legitimate need in your life shall receive divine attention.

3. Your faith shall rise above every circumstance confronting you.

4. You shall not give up before your testimony appears.

5. You shall receive fresh strength to persist in prayer and faith.

6. Every prolonged condition in your life shall encounter the power of Jesus.

7. The grace of God shall speak for you where your background cannot speak.

8. You shall experience divine provision in every area of genuine need.

9. Your household shall eat from the table of God's goodness and mercy.

10. You shall testify of God's intervention, and your testimony shall bring glory to His name.