Have you ever sung the lyrics of a song only to discover that the lyrics were actually something other than what you originally heard? For instance, the Eurythmics song lyrics say, “Sweet dreams are made of these…” and some people actually thought the lyrics were “Sweet dreams are made of cheese.” There are many songs where people mishear the lyrics.
In the book of Isaiah, there are what is called the four “Servant Songs” that prophetically describe the service, suffering, and exaltation of the Messiah. The Servant Songs are found in Isaiah 42:1–9; Isaiah 49:1–13; Isaiah 50:4–11; and Isaiah 52:13—53:12. All four songs tell of the Messiah being God’s meek and gentle Servant.
In Matthew chapter 12, Jesus has an exchange with the Pharisees around their concern with Jesus’ disciples eating grain along their journey on the Sabbath. Jesus reminds them that He is the Lord of the Sabbath. He would go on from there and go into one of their synagogues, and while there, heal a man with a shriveled hand. This infuriated the Pharisees, and they wanted Him dead. He was ruining their “religious gig.” There is no doubt they felt like they were losing their rope of control over the people. Jesus came to offer a relationship with God, not a man- made religion for which the Pharisees prospered.
Matthew tells us that Jesus knew the Pharisees were looking to destroy him, and Matthew tells us in verse 15-16: “Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. He warned them not to tell others about him.”
Why would Jesus withdraw? If you are like me, don’t you kind of want him to destroy the Pharisees, to them out of the way and end their mindless deception of God’s people?
Matthew tells us the reason for Jesus’ actions. He tells us in verse 17 that this was to fulfill the words of the prophet Isaiah. He then references one of the Servant Songs, Isaiah 42.
“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
Matthew 12:18-21
Matthew ensures we know that this action from Jesus is simply a fulfilling of the prophecy of Isaiah. There is no doubt that Jesus is the chosen Messiah of God. He tells us that Jesus is God’s choice, that everything He does is pleasing to God, that the Spirit of God is on Jesus, and that He is the hope of the Gentiles.
One of the most comforting parts of this prophecy is how Jesus shows up. When Isaiah says that “a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory,” it means Jesus comes with power … but He takes time to touch the broken, to mend up the wounds of those who have experienced rejection, hurt, and pain. We all are bruised reeds, and the fact that Savior takes time for us, and cares enough to bind up our wounds is such a comfort. In addition, when Isaiah says the Messiah would not quench the smoldering wick, he is referring to the fact that Jesus does not come to squash those who have little faith or those whose hope is fading. He comes to fan the flame of our faith. The promised Messiah will take the patience and take the time to help those who are struggling with their faith.
Today, you may feel bruised and beat up by circumstances that have occurred. You may feel like you have little faith left, or that you are hanging on to a small thread of hope for your life or situation. But remember, the Chosen Servant (Jesus) chooses you! This passage not only lets us know the Jesus is the Chosen Servant of God to redeem the world from sin. It also lets us know that Jesus is a caring, merciful, humble, and loving Messiah and Savior. He has come to bind up your wound and to fill you with faith and hope.
If you need His help today, call on Him. Cast your cares upon Him in prayer. He is faithful, He does not grow tired and weary, and He will help you when you call.
According to Matthew 12:21, “In His name the nations will put their hope.” He is our hope, our Messiah, our healer.
-Pastor Robert