22nd June 2023
The gentleness of Jesus
‘A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.’
Matthew 12:20-21 (NIVUK)
The picture being painted for us in the header scripture is that of the gentleness of Jesus. One of the most wonderful things we’re told about Jesus is that he is so tender and gentle that when he finds a ‘bruised reed’, instead of snapping it off carelessly and thoughtlessly, he binds it up in the hope that it will rejuvenate itself. If the wick of a candle has been reduced to a smouldering ember, instead of snuffing it out and extinguishing it completely, Jesus fans it back into flame. He will act this way, we are told, ‘till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.’
These words are drawn from one of the ‘Suffering Servant’ passages of Isaiah: Isaiah 42:1-4. The Jews expected a Messiah who would come with decisive and irresistible force and bring justice to Israel. It seems that not many linked the coming King with Isaiah’s promised servant. That is why the notion of a kingdom that dawned in the context of meekness, tenderness and gentleness, coupled with restraint in the matter of climactic judgement, was so unexpected.
Yet here was Jesus practising what he preached as he exercised compassion in healing the sick among the people (Matthew 12:15), and as he did so he stood in stark contrast to the harshness of his opponents. While Jesus is healing someone on the Sabbath, his opponents try to kill him for ostensibly breaking the Sabbath (vv. 9-14); while Jesus casts out demons from a poor victim, his opponents are ready to write Jesus off as the devil himself (vv. 22-28).
In addition to what these scriptures teach us about Jesus, they also teach us something about the way we should live and be as Christians. We are not to be hard, harsh, condescending, ruthless, nor someone that rants and manipulates, as Jesus’s detractors were. We are called to become like the Lord Jesus, who tells his followers, ‘…learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart…’ (Matthew 11:29).
If we too are gentle and humble in heart like Jesus we are given a wonderful promise, ‘…you will find rest for your souls.’ (v.29). Now, who doesn’t want that?
Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for the gentleness and tenderness of Jesus. As he lives in and through us, may his love and compassion be evident to others in the way we live. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Study by Barry Robinson
About the writer:
Barry Robinson is a minister in Grace Communion International and Regional Pastor for Southern England.
Local congregation:
Grace Communion International Camberwell
The Salvation Army Hall
105 Lomond Grove
Camberwell
London SE5 7HN
Local congregational contact:
Barry Robinson
Email: camberwell@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church