Thy Word:

Jesus, God’s Chosen Servant

But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, but he warned them not to reveal who he was. This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:

“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. And his name will be the hope of all the world.” Matthew 12:15-21 NLT

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My Thoughts: Jesus knew what the Pharisees were planning, so he left the area. He didn’t leave out of fear he left because it was not time for Jesus to die for our sins.

Our reading today tells us that “many people followed him [Jesus].” Although our words don’t point this out, we will soon see the religious leader’s anger throb in their hardened hearts like a festering wound regarding his popularity.

However, Jesus doesn’t try to rectify or change the leader’s hearts he simply goes about the business of talking to the people and healing all the sick among them. Again, Jesus asks the people not to reveal who he was because he wanted the focus to be on the people changing their lives.

He knew the people wanted him to bring in a new kingdom to free them from Roman rule, but he hoped his teachings and compassion would turn their focus to changing the condition of their sinful lives and hearts.

The verses that are mentioned as being fulfilled come from Isaiah 42:1-4. The words from those verses that strike my heart today, on Passover/Good Friday are these:

“He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public.”

Today as we consider the sacrifice that Jesus made to die for our sins, may we remember to humble our hearts and perhaps even our words too, and reflect our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Closing Prayer: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) I can think of no verse that is better for this day, the day you took the beatings, you took the nails, you took it all for me, LORD. Forgive me for my failures and may my light shine today as I honor your sacrifice. In the name of Jesus, the one who redeemed me, amen.