Matthew 12:14-21
Chapter 12
14
Then the Pharisees went out and plotted to eliminate Jesus.
15a
Since Jesus knew their plans, he left that place.
15b
Jesus, the Servant of God
Many people followed him, and he healed everyone who was sick.
16
But he gave them strict orders not to let him be known.
17
Thus, Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled:
18
Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love and with whom I am pleased.
I will put my spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim my judgment
to the nations.
19
He will not argue or shout,
nor will his voice be heard in the streets.
20
The bruised reed he will not crush,
nor snuff out the smoldering wick
until he brings justice to victory.
21
And in him, all the nations
will put their hope.
Commentaries
Jesus and the Sabbath.
In chapter 12, Matthew describes the Pharisees’ increasing hostility toward Jesus. The debates that follow help clarify aspects of his mission: the Sabbath (1-21), the source of his miraculous power (22-37), and the demand for a sign to prove his mission (38-45). This passage shows two times when Jesus challenges the Sabbath law for the benefit of individuals: hunger (1-8) and illness (9-14). In both cases, the Pharisaic mindset placed the rules of the Sabbath above the needs of the sick and hungry.
Jesus, the Servant of God.
Jesus’ enemies are left speechless by his words, but Jesus is already becoming a public threat that must be eliminated.
In Matthew’s account, verse 14 marks the beginning of the final deliberations (cf. 27:1). In response to these deliberations, Matthew issues a verdict (15b-21) by applying a prophetic text to Jesus, the first Servant Song (Isaiah 42:1-4).
Placed here, it also contrasts with the controversy that follows, where his enemies accuse him of being an agent of Beelzebub, a servant of the Devil himself.