HE IS OUR HOPE (2)

Let’s read Matthew 12:8-21 together: Departing from there, He went into their synagogue. And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might bring charges against Him. But He said to them, “What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable then is a person than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him. But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed Him, and He healed them all, and warned them not to tell who He was. This happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled: “Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen; my Beloved in whom My soul Delights; I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He will proclaim Justice to the Gentiles. “He will not quarrel, nor cry out; Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. “A bent reed He will not break off, And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish, Until He Leads Justice to victory. “And in His name the Gentiles will hope.”

Introduction: Hopelessness

This passage captures a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry: He heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging rigid legalism and fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of the Servant who brings justice and hope to the nations.

In Matthew 12:9–21, Jesus embodies the compassionate Servant foretold in Isaiah 42. His healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath is not just an act of mercy—it is a signpost pointing to the arrival of the Kingdom of God. As we enter Advent, a season of waiting and hope, this passage reminds us that Jesus has come to restore what is broken, confront what is unjust, and bring light to those in darkness.

Big Idea:

.In this Advent season, we are invited to receive His mercy and extend hope to a weary world.

Advent Application

This passage speaks directly into the heart of Advent:

for the hurting Hope

for the weary Rest

for the forgotten Compassion

for the oppressed Justice

As we wait for Christ’s return, we are called to live as people of hope—receiving His healing and becoming agents of His mercy in a world still longing for redemption.

Preaching Points

I. Compassion Overcomes Legalism (Matthew 12:9–13)

Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath reveals that mercy is the heartbeat of God’s law. In Advent, we remember that Christ came not to reinforce burdens but to lift them. His birth was the dawn of a new covenant—one where love fulfills the law (Romans 13:10). Advent Reflection: Are we making room for mercy in our traditions? How can we embody Christ’s compassion during this season of preparation?

II. Conflict with Compassion (Matthew 12:14–15)

The Pharisees’ plot to destroy Jesus contrasts sharply with His quiet withdrawal and continued healing. Even in the face of hostility, Jesus remains committed to restoring the broken. Advent Reflection: As we await the Prince of Peace, are we willing to follow Him into places of tension, offering healing where others bring harm?

III. Quiet Fulfillment of Hope (Matthew 12:16–18)

Quoting Isaiah 42, Matthew shows that Jesus is the Servant who brings justice without shouting. His mission is not marked by spectacle but by gentle, faithful presence. Advent Reflection: In a noisy world, Advent invites us to quiet our hearts and listen for the whisper of hope. Jesus is already at work—will we notice?

IV. Universal Hope in Christ (Matthew 12:19–21)

“He will proclaim justice to the nations… in his name the nations will put their hope.” Jesus is not just Israel’s Messiah—He is the hope of all peoples. Advent Reflection: As we light the candles of Advent, we remember that Christ’s light is for the whole world. How can we reflect that light to others this season?

🙌 How This Passage Points to Christ (Advent Lens)

Matthew explicitly connects Jesus to Isaiah’s Servant, who brings justice, healing, and hope. This is the Advent Messiah—not a conquering king, but a compassionate healer. His birth, life, and eventual return fulfill the longing of every heart that waits in darkness.

Conclusion:

A) I will make the darkness light...

B) My hope is built on nothing less

Closing Advent Prayer

“Lord Jesus, in this season of waiting, we thank You for coming not with thunder but with tenderness. As we remember Your healing touch and Your quiet justice, restore our hope. Teach us to walk in Your compassion and to be light for those still waiting in darkness. Amen.”

Would you like a visual Advent sermon slide deck or a devotional handout based on this outline?