Matthew 12:15-21
15 But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed Him, and He healed them all, 16 and warned them not to tell who He was. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
18 “Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen;
My Beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased;
I will put My Spirit upon Him,
And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
19 “He will not quarrel, nor cry out;
Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.
20 “A battered reed He will not break off,
And a smoldering wick He will not put out,
Until He leads justice to victory.
21 “And in His name the Gentiles will hope.”
Jesus’ public ministry is the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. Read Isaiah 42. After being long-awaited, the prophecies have arrived. Jesus is redefining what God’s Kingdom would look like. If God’s Kingdom came like earthly kingdoms, by force, the weak (like us) would not come out victorious. This is good news for those of us who sometimes struggle with our faith… “a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench”. He wants to gently strengthen our weak faith, hope and love…the meek will inherit the earth.
Prayer: Lord, as You reach out to me in Your gentle love, help me to bring Your Kingdom here in this day.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB © The Lockman Foundation (www.lockman.org)
Central Christian Church 