Jesus Is Lord Of All

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

August 17, 2026

in Spritual Growth

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August 16, 2026
Readings: Isaiah 56:1-7
Romans 11:13-15
Matthew 15:21-28

Christ gives us guidance and hope and has shown us what He’s given to us. We were challenged last Sunday to give honor and praise to Him. Christ came to show us who we are, saving and redeeming us from the enemy who has deceived us. We have hope in Christ. What He’s given us is awesome. We need to know what really belongs to us. Matthew 15:8 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” We find this evident in our lives today. We say we believe but our hearts are not present. When this is the attitude of our lives, things we do will be in vain.

In many churches, what has been taught does not point to God. It is targeted at “how we feel,” or “what it is for me.” What is God trying to teach us? His Word is meant to guide us and show us how to live.

The Pharisees and Scribes were making things so hard for the people by making their own laws. Scripture tells us that Jesus left them and went to Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman shouts to Jesus, calling Him “Lord, Son of David” and pleading for mercy because her daughter is cruelly tormented. Jesus initially does not answer her, telling his disciples He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. Kneeling before Him, she simply begs, “Lord, help me”. When Jesus uses an analogy about bread meant for the children versus household pets, she humbly replies that even the small dogs eat the crumbs falling from their masters’ table.

Impressed by her great humility and trust, Jesus grants her request, and her daughter is healed instantly. The woman was not a Jew. She did not belong to the children of Israel. But she didn’t go to Jesus to hear Him preach. She went to Jesus because of her deep concern for her daughter’s welfare.

What Jesus was foretelling us was that He not only came for the Jews, but for all. The woman had faith. She did not doubt Jesus. Jesus who took away out iniquities and gave us righteousness. He did this for all.

It is so sad that we find ourselves today condemning those who are not Christians. We judge others so quickly. Jesus came for all. The love and faith of the woman had saved her daughter. We are not to doubt nor to have fear. Like the woman who never gave up even if she was being mocked. When things don’t go our way, couldn’t this be a test from the Lord? If we do not get our answers immediately, we give up so quickly. God will not fail us. The woman wanted Christ to heal her daughter. “Have mercy on me,” she said. We need to give God what is due Him. He will heal us, He will provide the answer.