The Compassionate Servant: Finding Strength in Jesus’ Tender Care

“Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, my Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased!… A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench

Matthew 12:18 & 20

Jesus faces rising opposition.

Disgruntled Pharisees condemn the disciples for supposedly harvesting grain on the Sabbath. Jesus explains a foundational truth that He is indeed the Lord of all, including the Sabbath. He sets an example when He attends public worship, though He had no reason to be there, nor anything to learn. By healing the man with the withered hand on the sabbath, Jesus shows compassion while exposing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees with their greater concern for their possessions than for a man in need,

Isaiah speaks of Jesus the Messiah, the Servant of Yahweh. The title of the Servant is a common and important designation of Jesus. Jesus isn’t just any servant, He is the Servant, upon whom is the Spirit of God. He is our example who continues to serve us through His constant love, care, guidance, and intercession. Jesus, the Servant gently handles the fragile reed which He will not break, nor will He quench the flax which only smokes, but rather nourishes it, fanning it into flame again. 

We live in a world that deals roughly with our weaknesses and failures. Many of us like the bruised reed and the smoking flax, need to be strengthened by and drenched in the oil of His Holy Spirit. He sees the value in us when no one else does, dealing gently with us tenderly strengthening and reviving us. 

Let us respond to the goodness of God and His tender care by extending the same compassion to others. Let’s seek opportunities to serve and uplift those around us, emulating the gentle love and care that Jesus shows us each day

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, that you see value in me. Give me a servant’s heart as I follow you.