Advent - Day 18
But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. He warned them not to tell others about him. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“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.
He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Matthew 12:14-21
Full Readings: Isaiah 42:1–4, Matthew 12:9–21
In the ancient world of Jesus’ time, the arrival of a King into foreign territory was usually a violent affair. Kings came at the head of armies. And typically, it’s the weak and the lowly who suffer the most.
But this King is different. A bruised reed He will not break, a smouldering wick He will not snuff out. This King has come not to oppress the weak and the lowly but for them. In His Kingdom, it is the weak in Spirit who are lifted up while the proud are humbled.
It really is a remarkable facet of Jesus’ ministry. Across history, it is strength that is valued. Might is right. Kings love to surround themselves with strength and power. But not this King.
Do you feel tired and weak today? Do you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? Is your body not right, your mind not quite right, your heart? Jesus is hope. He will not look down on us for our weakness. Rather, He raises us up.
Look to Him today and ask Him to strengthen you.
For Today:
Pray:
Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. He warned them not to tell others about him. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“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.
He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Matthew 12:14-21
Full Readings: Isaiah 42:1–4, Matthew 12:9–21
In the ancient world of Jesus’ time, the arrival of a King into foreign territory was usually a violent affair. Kings came at the head of armies. And typically, it’s the weak and the lowly who suffer the most.
But this King is different. A bruised reed He will not break, a smouldering wick He will not snuff out. This King has come not to oppress the weak and the lowly but for them. In His Kingdom, it is the weak in Spirit who are lifted up while the proud are humbled.
It really is a remarkable facet of Jesus’ ministry. Across history, it is strength that is valued. Might is right. Kings love to surround themselves with strength and power. But not this King.
Do you feel tired and weak today? Do you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? Is your body not right, your mind not quite right, your heart? Jesus is hope. He will not look down on us for our weakness. Rather, He raises us up.
Look to Him today and ask Him to strengthen you.
For Today:
- How are you going today?
- Do you or do you know someone who is weak or low right now?
- Ask God for strength today.
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He is the God who knows us and our situation.
- Give thanks for Jesus Christ who came to lift us up and take our burdens.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to strengthen you and others.
Posted in Advent
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