Bible Study: Faith of an Outsider (Pentecost 12A Gospel)

Download a printable PDF of the Word One Bible Study for Pentecost 12A Gospel.

Text: Matthew 15:21-28 for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Series A

Objectives

Participants will notice those who are considered outsiders in their school, church and community and reach them with His love and forgiveness.

Materials Needed

Bible
Paper
Pencils/pens

Group Guidelines

Divide into groups of 4-5 people. Choose as leader the person who is the tallest member of the group.

Building Community

1. Begin by praying together that God will bless the group.
2. Develop a group definition for the word “Outcast.”
3. Identify, by the use of your definition, who the outcasts are in your community or church and write them down.

Looking at God’s Word

1. Read Matthew 15:21-28.
2. What did the Gentile woman want from Jesus?
3. Why is it unusual for a Gentile to be seeking help from Jesus?
4. How do the disciples respond to the woman’s request?
5. What does Jesus say to her? Why does He respond this way?
6. Who or what is Jesus referring to with the following words?
   1. children
   2. bread
   3. dogs
7. What does Jesus mean by these strange words?
8. How does the woman respond? What does she mean?
9. What happened as a result of the woman’s faith?

Reinforcing What Has Been Learned

In Jesus’ day, outcasts included the Gentiles and the Samaritans. Race, ethnic background and/or life situations can cause people to be considered outcasts by our society. Many who consider themselves outcasts believe that the Lord and the church do not want them… Yet, Jesus Christ died for all people and desires that all people receive His free gift of forgiveness of sins and eternal life.” (Mark Etter, Church Year Bible Studies Pentecost 1 Study Guide Series A., Concordia Publishing, St. Louis, MO 1996, p. 80)

1. Spend a few minutes discussing the previous statement, taking into consideration the list of outcasts you made at the beginning of the lesson.
2. Do you sometimes feel like an outcast? If so, what would you want people to do for you at those times?
3. What could you do when you notice an outsider in your school or at church? How can you share and show the fact that God loves them and cares for them?

Closing

Close with prayer thanking God for the love He has for you through Jesus Christ. Pray also for specific people you already think of as outsiders. Ask for His guidance and wisdom as you see them.

by Lisa Day