God's Chosen Servant - Matthew 12:15-21

God’s Chosen Servant

15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. 16 He warned them not to tell others about him. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope.”

Reflection: As Jesus began to initiate the kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven by preaching and then healing, the Pharisees began to plot how to kill him. Why? Because Jesus threatened their power and authority that had an unhealthy grip on them. Jesus could have fought power with power, but instead took the way of humility. Rather than bringing His kingdom by force he showed his power through serving others. Note even when he sought to withdraw, even more people followed him.

What gave Jesus the power to lead with such humility? I think it was sense of being chosen by the Father, the One In whom it says God loved and was all his delight. It was His identity as God's uniquely chosen Son that enabled Jesus to live according to His Father's expectations and no one else's. Notice that when he withdrew they still followed them and he healed them. When we enter into a life of ministry there will be times we will be needed even when it is not convenient to us. It was not a 9 to 5 job. And this ministry flowed out His chosen-ness and the fullness of the Spirit God had anointed Him with in His baptism.

And as Jesus left He called his disciples and called them to continue to the work He had started in the same manner and Spirit of humility as He did. In the Last Supper he emulated this for them and told them that just as He had washed their feet so should they wash others. Leadership for Jesus begins with a towel and greatness is tending to broken reeds and smoldering wicks. Who is God calling you to reach out to in Jesus' name to lift up and fan their flame? As you follow Jesus as His Chosen One, remember you are the one in which He loves and delights in.

Jesus thank you for showing us a model of One loved by the Father and delighting in His will and ways. Show us this who we might lift up who are bruised and encourage those who are burnt out. Amen

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