GOD'S CHOSEN SERVANT

Passage: Matthew 12:15-21

Key verse: 18

NIV

God’s Chosen Servant

15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill.(A) 16 He warned them not to tell others about him.(B) 17 This was to fulfill(C) what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
    the one I love, in whom I delight;(D)
I will put my Spirit on him,(E)
    and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
    no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
21     In his name the nations will put their hope.”[a](F)

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Footnotes
  1. Matthew 12:21 Isaiah 42:1-4
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

God's Chosen Servant

15 Jesus, aware of this, (A)withdrew from there. And (B)many followed him, and he healed them all 16 and (C)ordered them not to make him known. 17 (D)This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

18 (E)“Behold, my (F)servant whom I have chosen,
    my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
(G)I will put my Spirit upon him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
    nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
20 a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
21     (H)and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Jesus withdrew (15-16)

The Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus because he had challenged their authority by healing a man on the Sabbath. He revealed himself to all people as the true shepherd of all shepherdless people. So even though he withdrew, the people who needed him flocked to him.

2. He will not break a bruised reed (17-21)

Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy. He was God's chosen servant, the one who pleased God. He boldly proclaimed the good news of God to the nations. He was a gentle shepherd. He did not fight or argue. He was especially gentle with the weak and helpless people. The man with the withered hand was a bruised reed and a smoldering wick. Jesus welcomed and healed him. He will surely lead justice to victory. He is the hope of the nations.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for restoring a bruised reed. Help me to be your servant and share your love and mercy in a broken world.

One Word: God's chosen servant