Even The Crumbs Are Enough
Objective: To help us understand the power of persistent, humble faith.
Warm-Up
“Desperate Requests”
Have you ever wanted something so badly that you didn’t care what people thought—you just had to ask?”
Pair Share: Turn to a partner and share a time when they had to boldly ask for something, even when you thought the answer might be “no.” What gave you the courage to ask, even when the situation looked impossible?”
In the story we’ll look at today, a woman came to Jesus in desperation. Even though others tried to push her away, she didn’t give up. She believed that even the smallest response from Jesus—just the crumbs—would be enough. That’s the kind of faith we’re going to talk about.
Questions
1. What was her background of the woman who sought help of Jesus? How desperate was her situation? Mark 7:25-26
Note: This woman was a Gentile (not Jewish), a Syrophoenician—considered an outsider.
2. What was Jesus’ initial response as well as the response of the disciples? Matthew 15:23?
Note: The woman’s daughter was demon-possessed, and she came desperately to Jesus for help. Jesus initially seemed to ignore her or even reject her request (Mark 7:27). Think About It: How do you feel when it seems like God is silent?
3. Despite this seeming rejection, how did she respond to what could’ve been seen as an insult? Matthew 15:27
Note: The Syrophoenician’s faith was persistent and humble. Despite silence, cultural barriers, and what seemed like rejection, she did not give up. She believed just a crumb of God’s power was enough to change everything. She humbled herself and admitted she was unworthy, but still trusted in Jesus’ power. Think About It: What does her humility teach us about how we should approach God when asking for help?
4. How is this kind of faith applicable to our own lives? Hebrews 11:6
Discussion: Are there areas in your life where you’ve stopped praying or believing? How can you keep holding on like the Syrophoenician woman?
5. What commendation was given the woman by Jesus?
Note: This story demonstrates that Jesus honors bold faith. God is not moved by position, race, or background—He’s moved by faith. Real faith keeps asking, trusting, and believing—even when things don’t happen immediately.
Activities
Faith Role-Play
Instructions:
In pairs or small groups, act out a modern version of this story (e.g., a teen being ignored, overlooked, or rejected but continuing to trust God).
Discuss: What can make someone give up? What helps someone hold on?
Criss Cross Puzzle
Fit the given words into the Criss Cross Puzzle.
