Matthew 12:1-21, The Servant Savior

In continuing to consider this passage here are a few things to note.

·        The Sabbath is perhaps the greatest symbol of Judaism. Reverence for it is commanded in the 10 Commandments (Ex. 20:8-11).  Ex. 31:14 commanded death to those who profaned it. Lev. 23:3 commanded no work.

·        v3,5: twice Jesus asks "have you not read?" v3 refers to 1 Sam 21:3-6; v5 to Num. 28:9. This reminds us that Jesus will hold us accountable for living the Book, even if we have neglected it!

·        v7: Jesus recognizes that right & wrong cannot be determined simply by a list of rules.  "Mercy and not sacrifice" involved priorities.  God commanded sacrifices in the Law, but never at the expense of mercy.  We need of the Spirit to help read the Scripture and understand (v3,5: have you not read?); but also to apply the Scripture.

·        v2,4,10,12: same word "lawful" in each verse.  Similar to our concern about being "inside the lines", nor "transgressing".

·        v15: Jesus avoided death at this point because it was not the time nor the place.  When the time came He would set his face for Jerusalem (Isa. 50:7).

·        v16-21 is the 1st of 4 Servant Songs in Isaiah (42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12). These Songs speak of the Messiah, this one making clear His ministry to Gentiles and not just the Jews.  Jesus only quotes the first 3 verses of the Song.

Having noted the Servant Song let us consider this (v18-21) in a little more detail.

·        His calling, v18.  Jesus was appointed, chosen, by God. This One and His Work has been the plan of God from eternity past.  Not an afterthought.  He was called to preach justice to the Gentiles.  Justice is the good news that God has punished our sin by His Son.

·        His character, v19-20a.  This is what is so wonderful about our Savior.  He will bring this victory, not by greatness but by meekness.  He will not quarrel or cry out, which contrasts Him with the religious elite.  The only time Jesus cried out was at the tomb of Lazarus.  A bruised reed is very weak, falling in the slightest wind.  Smoking flax is a quick fire; but even that He won’t quench.  Jesus fulfilled the Father’s plan by truth, not by force.

·        His commission, v20b-21.  The justice of the cross will extend to the world, to Gentiles.  This was God’s promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3): that through him the nations would be blessed.  This answers a critical question from back in Mt. 11:25-27.  The gospel was hidden from Jews so that the gospel might go to Gentiles.