“Now
when Jesus learned of this, he went away from there. Great crowds followed him,
and he healed them all. But he sternly warned them not to make him known. This
fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:
“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I take great
delight.
I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not quarrel or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
He will not break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering wick, until he
brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.” —Matthew
12:15–21
Twelve times Matthew reminds his readers of prophecy presented in the Old Testament that is now a reality. The particular Old Testament passage Matthew is quoting from here is found in Isaiah 42. Clearly, this proves to be a powerful testimony to the divine origin of Scripture as well as its accuracy in even the minutest of details. This passage summarizes our Lord’s quiet ministry as well as a ministry which ushers in justice and hope to the nations ending in covering the whole earth with songs of praise and joy. Hallelujah!
The Pharisees were pursing Jesus with the intent of murdering him. Aware of their evil plans, Jesus withdraws from that place. Still, the crowds kept following. Mark records they flocked in not only from Galilee, but also Judea, Jerusalem, and Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the region of Tyre and Sidon. At a time when travel was done by foot, it is impressive that such large numbers of people would come bringing their sick from over 100 miles around—north, south, east, and west. And Scripture tells us, Jesus healed them all!
Such compassion and kindness Jesus shows to the helpless and hurting; mending the broken lives that come to Him. Always willing to show the love of his Father, Jesus was and is the broken life mender. Just read the testimony of the woman at the well or the woman caught in adultery. Sickness does not always have to be a physical condition. It includes the pain of collateral damage; damage done incidentally, damage that takes place in our families, damage as a result of being been hurt by something or someone else long ago. Jesus is able to fully heal our pasts.
Become More
“It is rare that Christians earnestly seek the Lord’s face when things are going swimmingly, when material blessings abound and we seem to be protected from the vicissitudes faced by others. But in the blackness of discouragement, when we are harassed and downcast, we may indeed turn to the Lord and acknowledge our helplessness apart from his grace; we may do so knowing that God is a compassionate God and that Jesus’ compassion was particularly directed toward the harassed and the helpless.” —D. A. Carson
Further Reflections
“For this reason the LORD is ready to show you mercy; he sits on his throne, ready to have compassion on you. Indeed, the LORD is a just God; all who wait for him in faith will be blessed.” —Isaiah 30:18
“They will not be hungry or thirsty; the sun’s oppressive heat will not beat down on them, for one who has compassion on them will guide them; he will lead them to springs of water. I will make all my mountains into a road; I will construct my roadways.” Look, they come from far away! Look, some come from the north and west, and others from the land of Sinim! Shout for joy, O sky! Rejoice, O earth! Let the mountains give a joyful shout! For the LORD consoles his people and shows compassion to the oppressed.” —Isaiah 49:10–13