Lent Day 8. Matthew 12
"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 show judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench till he send forth judgment unto victory.” (Mt 12:18-20)
◇ When Jesus knew that the Pharisees were plotting to kill him, he withdrew from that place. Many followed him and he healed all their sick. And he warned them not to tell others about him.
This is what Jesus looks like. Even in a situation where he avoids death and avoids his place, Jesus does not ignore those who have nowhere to turn.
The prophet Isaiah said that God’s chosen servant, God’s beloved servant is humble and does not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick.
What would you do if you came across a useless and useless reed lying on the ground while passing by? You would step on it without thinking and pass by. If the candle goes out on a dark night, you will quickly turn off the candle and change the wick. The bruised reed and smoldering wick symbolize weak and powerless people. The bruised reed represents fragile humans whose spirits are shattered into pieces due to pain and frustration. The smoldering wick symbolizes life where even the last strand of hope disappears. The world gives up on these people like a bruised reed or a smoldering wick without thinking.
But God’s servant, God’s beloved servant, Messiah is not like that. He has compassion for them. He feels compassion for them. So they cannot give up or abandon them. People give up and abandon because they are useless and only cause harm but Messiah does not give up or abandon them either. He gives himself for those like bruised reeds or smoldering wicks. He gave himself unreservedly for them on the cross.
♧ Lord God thank you! Without your mercy today I would be nothing! Have mercy on me who can’t follow you at all! Holy Spirit lead me with truth! Amen.