deceitfulness and wickedness of their own hearts; he will teach them to humble themselves, and to
seek to be cleansed in the Fountain opened for sin and uncleanness.
Verses 21–28
The dark corners of the country, the most remote, shall share Christ's influences; afterwards
the ends of the earth shall see his salvation. The distress and trouble of her family brought a woman
to Christ; and though it is need that drives us to Christ, yet we shall not therefore be driven from
him. She did not limit Christ to any particular instance of mercy, but mercy, mercy, is what she
begged for: she pleads not merit, but depends upon mercy. It is the duty of parents to pray for their
children, and to be earnest in prayer for them, especially for their souls. Have you a son, a daughter,
grievously vexed with a proud devil, an unclean devil, a malicious devil, led captive by him at his
will? this is a case more deplorable than that of bodily possession, and you must bring them by
faith and prayer to Christ, who alone is able to heal them. Many methods of Christ's providence,
especially of his grace, in dealing with his people, which are dark and perplexing, may be explained
by this story, which teaches that there may be love in Christ's heart while there are frowns in his
face; and it encourages us, though he seems ready to slay us, yet to trust in him. Those whom Christ
intends most to honour, he humbles to feel their own unworthiness. A proud, unhumbled heart
would not have borne this; but she turned it into an argument to support her request. The state of
this woman is an emblem of the state of a sinner, deeply conscious of the misery of his soul. The
least of Christ is precious to a believer, even the very crumbs of the Bread of life. Of all graces,
faith honours Christ most; therefore of all graces Christ honours faith most. He cured her daughter.
He spake, and it was done. From hence let such as seek help from the Lord, and receive no gracious
answer, learn to turn even their unworthiness and discouragements into pleas for mercy.
Verses 29–39
Whatever our case is, the only way to find ease and relief, is to lay it at Christ's feet, to submit
it to him, and refer it to his disposal. Those who would have spiritual healing from Christ, must be
ruled as he pleases. See what work sin has made; what various diseases human bodies are subject
to. Here were such diseases as fancy could neither guess the cause nor the cure of, yet these were
subject to the command of Christ. The spiritual cures that Christ works are wonderful. When blind
souls are made to see by faith, the dumb to speak in prayer, the maimed and the lame to walk in
holy obedience, it is to be wondered at. His power was also shown to the multitude, in the plentiful
provision he made for them: the manner is much the same as before. All did eat, and were filled.
Those whom Christ feeds, he fills. With Christ there is bread enough, and to spare; supplies of
grace for more than seek it, and for those that seek for more. Christ sent away the people. Though
he had fed them twice, they must not look for miracles to find their daily bread. Let them go home
to their callings and their own tables. Lord, increase our faith, and pardon our unbelief, teaching
us to live upon thy fulness and bounty, for all things pertaining to this life, and that which is to
come.