Untitled Sermon (10)

The Holy Bible: King James Version Chapter 12

And charged them that they should not make him known: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

New Living Translation Chapter 12

but he warned them not to reveal who he was. This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:

“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.

He is my Beloved, who pleases me.

I will put my Spirit upon him,

and he will proclaim justice to the nations.

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language Chapter 12

He also cautioned them to keep it quiet, following guidelines set down by Isaiah:

Look well at my hand-picked servant;

I love him so much, take such delight in him.

I’ve placed my Spirit on him;

he’ll decree justice to the nations.

16 And charged them that they should not make him known: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.11 The Holy Bible: King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995), Mt 12:16–18.

16 but he warned them not to reveal who he was. 17 This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:

18 “Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.

He is my Beloved, who pleases me.

I will put my Spirit upon him,

and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 1

1 Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 12:16–18.

16-18  Look well at my hand-picked servant;

I love him so much, take such delight in him.

I’ve placed my Spirit on him;

he’ll decree justice to the nations.1

1 Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Mt 12:18.

Supporting Idea: In contrast to the murderous hypocrites, the King serves his people gently and humbly.

12:15–16. The verb withdrew may be another indication by Matthew that the chasm between Jesus and the false religious leaders was growing wider. Jesus now moved physically away from their presence and opposition. He knew the impact of the preceding confrontation, both on the crowd and on his enemies. Because the time for his death was yet future, and there was much more to do (especially the preparation of the Twelve to carry on his ministry), Jesus avoided further open conflict for a time, withdrawing to a more private place, away from the scrutiny of the hypocrites.

Many followed him, because of their growing faith in him and their decreasing trust in the hypocrites, and he healed all their sick, presumably at least some on the Sabbath. As in 8:4, 9:30, and 17:9, Jesus warned these people not to tell who he was. His ministry was not a show; he truly cared for the needy. The healing of the first man’s hand was an act of true compassion and a public demonstration of Jesus’ identity and authority. In these further healings, mercy became the more prominent element of his motivation.

12:17–21. By the act of withdrawing and conducting ministry quietly, Jesus proclaimed the truth of his identity by fulfilling another Old Testament messianic prophecy: “My servant … will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out” (Isa. 42:1–3). This prophecy pointed out the humble, quiet nature of the Messiah’s ministry (cf. “gentle and humble in heart,” Matt. 11:29). Matthew wanted to be sure his readers saw this side of the Messiah-King.

This passage, as much as any other in Matthew, confronted the popular expectations of the Messiah. Those who had hardened hearts would hold to their expectations of a political or military savior and reject the humble man they saw. But those with “ears to hear” would allow the reality of Jesus to change their expectations. This passage further reinforces Matthew’s dramatic theme—the shift from hard-hearted Israel to believing Gentiles. Jesus withdrew from the religious hypocrites as personified by the Pharisees. This move was based on Old Testament prophecy: “In his name the nations will put their hope” (12:21).

Matthew, in his longest Old Testament quote, quoted only the first three verses of Isaiah 42:1–9. These verses deal with the meekness of the servant, although Matthew 12:21 is probably a very liberal paraphrase of Isaiah 42:4c. The song goes on in Isaiah 42:4–9 to describe the servant as one who would be the bearer of justice, the law, and the covenant, “as a light for the Gentiles.” He would “open eyes that are blind” and “free captives.” This would be a new era in God’s plan. But all of this will spring from the humble, quiet ministry of the Suffering Servant described in Isaiah 42:1–3.

This song describes God’s original intention for Israel. The nation was chosen not to remain separate from the other nations, but to be Yahweh’s servant in taking the truth to the nations. The passage describes even more accurately the ministry of Yahweh’s other servant, Jesus the Messiah-King, who initiated the plan to take the truth throughout the world.

The servant is one whom Yahweh has chosen (12:18a). He is not self-appointed, but willingly cooperates with Yahweh’s will. In poetic parallel with the first line, the servant is loved by God (Heb., “my chosen one”) and is the delight of the Lord (12:18b; cf. “my Son … with him I am well pleased,” 3:17; also the Transfiguration, 17:5). This is a significant connection, God’s love and his choice are never separated. In fact, they are almost synonymous.

Yahweh will put his spirit on his servant so the servant will speak and act according to Yahweh’s will and authority (12:18c). Out of this authority, by Yahweh’s Spirit, the servant will proclaim (Heb., “bring forth”) justice to the nations (12:18d). Jesus had already alluded to God’s plan for nations besides Israel (8:11). God’s kingdom will go beyond Israel, but Israel had lost sight of that vision.

Beginning in 12:19, the quote connects Isaiah’s servant with the conduct of Jesus. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. Jesus was not ready to begin the open conflict that would come later in his ministry, so he tried to stay out of the public eye during this period. Throughout every phase of Jesus’ ministry, he behaved meekly, unleashing his wrath only on occasion, as a loving shepherd will lash out at a predator that threatens the flock.

Even those who are worthless and useless in the eyes of the world will be accepted by God’s Suffering Servant (12:20a). Reeds were the stems of a variety of species of plants. They were carved into ink pens or walking sticks, or their fibers were used for weaving or making into parchment for writing on. Reeds were one of the most common materials in everyday life. Damaged reeds were discarded without thought because more were readily available. A wick on an oil lamp might smolder because it was low on oil or trimmed improperly. Usually a smoldering wick would be put out, because it would produce smoke but no light. The Messiah, who was “gentle and humble in heart” (11:29) would welcome and use in ministry those whom the world deemed worthless and useless.

The servant’s purpose is justice, and his justice will lead to victory (12:20b; the Hebrew text means. “He will faithfully bring Forth justice”). Even though the servant comes meekly he is also the judge (11:27; 28:18), and he will bring justice and fairness to the people.

Verse 21 is not found in Isaiah 42 in the wording Matthew used. Most likely Matthew skipped the first two lines of 42:4 and paraphrased the third line: “And the coastlands [Gentile territory along the Mediterranean] will wait expectantly for his law.” Matthew’s purpose in paraphrasing the wording was to leave lingering in the reader’s mind the role that Jesus the Messiah-King was to play in the world. No one of any nationality had any hope apart from him. And he was taking his message of hope to all the nations, not just chosen Israel.1

1 Stuart K. Weber, Matthew, vol. 1, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 173–175.

12:16 they should not reveal his identity Jesus has commanded silence before (8:4; 9:30), and it is especially important now that the Pharisees want to destroy him (v. 14).

12:18 The quotation in vv. 18–21 comes from Isa 42:1–4, which is a prophecy about the Suffering Servant.

Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy Table

in whom my soul is well pleased At Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, a voice from heaven speaks these words (Matt 3:17; 17:5).1

1 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Mt 12:16–18.

12:16 ordered them not to make him known. See note on 8:4; cf. 9:30; 16:20; 17:9.

12:17 to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah. Matthew’s typical fulfillment formula (see note on 1:22) introduces his longest OT quotation (Isa. 42:1–4). It comes from the “Servant Songs” (Isaiah 42–53), in which the “servant” represents alternately the nation of Israel and the gentle, Spirit-endowed, suffering servant, whose mission is to bring justice to the nations.

12:18–20 my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved. The Father expresses the same delight in his Son at Jesus’ baptism (3:17) and at his transfiguration (17:5). he will proclaim justice. The servant brings the good news of the arrival of the kingdom but also pronounces judgment on the rulers of this world who reject him. will not quarrel or cry aloud. He did not come the first time as a conquering warrior. bruised reed … smoldering wick. Jesus the servant compassionately cares for those who have been abused (cf. 9:36; 11:28).1

1 Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 1844–1845.

12:16 not to make him known. Probably because they had wrong ideas about his life and work. See note on 11:3.

12:17 fulfill. See note on 1:22. Isaiah. Matthew cites Isa. 42:1–3 to explain Jesus’ quiet and effective ways.

12:18 my servant. See Isa. 42:1–13; 49:1–13; 50:4–11; 52:13–53:12. my beloved. See Matt. 3:17; 17:5. proclaim justice. See Isa. 61:1–3.1

1 Crossway, ESV Concise Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021), 1075–1076.

  Notes For Verse 16

a [not make him known] See note, Mt. 8:4.

Notes For Verse 17

a [Esaias] Greek form of Isaiah (note, Mt. 3:3).

Notes For Verse 18

a [Behold my servant, whom I have chosen …] The 10th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Matthew (Mt. 12:17–21; Isa. 42:1–4). Next, Mt. 13:14.

b [my servant] Seven prophecies of the Messiah fulfilled:

1. God’s servant (Mt. 12:18)

2. Chosen of God (Mt. 12:18)

3. Beloved of God (Mt. 12:18)

4. Anointed of God (Mt. 12:18)

5. A just judge (Mt. 12:18)

6. No anarchist (Mt. 12:19)

7. Successful mission (Mt. 12:20–21)1

1 Finis Jennings Dake, The Dake Annotated Reference Bible (Dake Publishing, 1997), Mt 12:16–18.

2 (12:17–18) Jesus Christ, Deity—Chosen Servant: the person of Jesus Christ is spelled out ever so clearly in these two verses. Note this is a quotation from Isaiah’s prediction concerning the person of the Messiah (Is. 42:1–4).

a. Jesus Christ is the Chosen Servant of God. Christ humbled Himself to do God’s will. And He did God’s will perfectly (2 Co. 5:21; He. 4:15). Therefore He is The Ideal Servant of God. He is the pattern, the picture, the ideal of how every man should serve God. Jesus was God’s chosen servant in the great work of redemption. Note two things: Christ was (1) chosen by God, and (2) He was God’s Servant (see note—Ep. 5:2).

“[The Lord] … disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God; and precious” (1 Pe. 2:4).

“[Christ Jesus] who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Ph. 2:6–8).

“Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (He. 10:7).

“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.… And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (Jn. 6:38, 40).

Thought 1. Note three strong lessons for us.

⇒ Christ submitted Himself to do God’s will; therefore,

⇒ He was given a great work to do;

⇒ He experienced the great trust of God.

b. Jesus Christ is God’s beloved Son. There are two precious thoughts here.

1) Christ has been “in the bosom of the Father” throughout all eternity; that is, His mission to earth and the great salvation He was to bring to man has been in the recesses of God’s heart forever. God has always held Christ to be very dear and very precious to Him.

2) Christ “was daily His [God’s] delight, rejoicing always before Him” (Pr. 8:30 see Pr. 8:22–31). Throughout all eternity, there has been an inconceivable relationship of love and sharing between the Father and the Son that goes well beyond our finite minds. Christ has always been God’s beloved Son.

“His [God’s] dear Son: In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.…” (Col. 1:13–14. See 1:13–20 for a beautiful description of the work of Christ and the pleasure of God in that work.)

“For He [Jesus Christ] received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Pe. 1:17. See Mt. 3:17; 17:5; Mk. 1:11; 9:7; Lu. 3:22; 9:35.)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (Jn. 3:16–17).

“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again” (Jn. 10:17).

c. God’s Spirit fully endowed Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was qualified for the work God sent Him to do. He had an unlimited measure of God’s Spirit (see note—Jn. 3:34).

“For He [Christ] whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him” (Jn. 3:34; see He. 1:9 where “the oil of gladness” refers to the Holy Spirit).

“And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth” (Is. 11:2–4).

Thought 1. God puts His Spirit upon everyone whom He chooses. This means at least two things.

(1) God gives spiritual gifts and power to every chosen vessel. He equips every person to do just what He calls that person to do. (See Ro. 12:5–8; 1 Co. 12:7–11, 27–31; Ep. 4:11–16.)

(2) God also bestows some of His image, some of His likeness, upon every chosen person (2 Co. 3:18).

DEEPER STUDY # 2

(12:17–21) Jesus Christ, Scripture Fulfilled: see Is. 42:1–4.1

1 Leadership Ministries Worldwide, The Gospel according to Matthew: Chapters 1:1–16:12, vol. 1, The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible (Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 2004), 278.