“We know Jesus’s gentlest care when we are weakest.”
Matthew 12:18-21
(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 shew judgment to the Gentiles.
(19) He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
(20) A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
(21) And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
Explanation
Jesus was not characterized by brash, outspoken self-publicity (vv. 18 – 19). In fact, in the previous verses, he discouraged such behavior. He was also gentle toward the weak and feeble. He would not put excessive burden on someone who was pressured (“a bruised reed,” like a pinched stalk). He would not discourage the feeblest attempts (“smoking flax,” like fire just getting started).
“What is the compassion of our Lord Jesus toward [his disciples]? He will not discourage them, much less reject them or cast them off; the reed that is bruised shall not be broken and trodden down, but shall be supported, and made as strong as a cedar or flourishing palm-tree. The candle newly lighted, though it only smokes and does not flame, shall not be blown out, but blown up.”
Matthew Henry, Matthew 12:14-21, e-sword ver. 11.1.0
You will know Him at His gentlest when you are at your weakest.
Photo by Sebastian Pociecha on Unsplash
Nathan M. McConnell 