Matthew 12:15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. 16 He warned them not to tell others about him. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
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.”
Jesus had just healed the withered hand of a man who had probably had a stroke or some injury in the past – “Fantastic!” you say? Well, the Pharisees were ready to kill him; they just needed to come up with a workable plan. So, Jesus moved out of the synagogue to another location, followed by everyone who was ill. After healing these people, Jesus asked that they not tell others about him. Jesus was not in the business of self – advertisement; he had come for a totally different reason. Jesus was the Messiah and had come in fulfillment of the prophecies. The verses quoted come from Isaiah 42: 1- 4, in which the prophet describes the behavior of the coming Messiah.
The Messiah would not quarrel or cry out or make lots of noise in the streets. This is why Jesus quietly withdrew from the synagogue and requested that people not tell others about him. Of course, that request failed! There’s no way that in a small town where everybody knew Shimuel, the man with the withered hand, they would keep quiet once Simon’s hand had been healed. “Hey, Shimuel! Come over here! I want to see your hand for myself! What did this Jesus say when he healed you? Did you feel anything? Does your hand really work?”
But what is meant by the remarks about bruised reeds and smoldering wicks? Think about reeds. As long as a reed has not been injured, it can withstand enormous amounts of wind. The wind blows, and the reed merely waves back and forth. But bruise the stem of the reed, and the next gust of wind might break it entirely. And what about a smoldering wick? By the time the wick of a candle or a lamp is smoldering, there is very little left of the flame; one pinch, and the flame will be out completely. Isaiah prophesied that when Messiah came, he would be so gentle that he could handle bruised reeds or smoldering wicks without injuring them.
Today COVID – 19 has convulsed the world. The CDC is now recommending that everybody wear masks. Many people are struggling with anxiety, depression, and fear. Even people who thought they were strong have found themselves quietly sobbing in a corner. At this point, many of us feel like bruised reeds or smoldering wicks. We NEED a Messiah! And we’ve got one!
Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. Jesus came that we might have life, and that we might have it abundantly. All of us have always needed Jesus the Messiah; we just didn’t realize our need because things were going well for us. Some of us have been insulated by good incomes, comfortable living situations, and stable communities. We have mistaken economic well being for God’s favor. But God’s favor does not depend on money or social position. God’s favor rests upon those who fear Him and who will follow Him, no matter the cost.
Today, you might identify with that smoldering wick or that bruised reed. Never mind! Jesus knows our every weakness! Turn to Him!
PRAYER: Father God, help us! We are frightened! We are weary! Our emotions are in a turmoil. We don’t know which way to turn and we suddenly realize that all the things that we trusted have failed us. Help us to put our trust in You instead. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus, the Messiah, in fulfillment of your promises! Thank you that even though we are as weak and helpless as bruised reeds or smoldering wicks, that you can restore us, if we will trust you. Help us to totally trust you all the days of our lives. In the matchless Name of Jesus. Amen.
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