Matthew 12:14-21 NRSVue
14But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
15When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many followed him, and he cured all of them, 16and he ordered them not to make him known. 17This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18“Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the gentiles. 19He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. 20He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. 21And in his name the gentiles will hope.”
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Reflection on Matthew 12:14-21
Inspiration from 2026-07-18 Daily Prayer
The readings these days contain a good deal of information about the Pharisees and how they viewed Jesus. You were a threat, Lord, and their dealings with you meant you constantly had to be on the lookout for deceit and trickery. Basically, their intentions were usually less than noble when they came to visit and question you. Give us an eagle eye, but also an open heart, when we try to fathom your love for us.
Further reflection
/Until he brings justice to victory./ There is a crucial choice facing the enemies of injustice all over the world: to go the way of violence or non-violence? Che Guevara chose the former, Gandhi the latter. Both paid a heavy price. Jesus' way is gentle, not crying aloud or breaking the bruised reed. We need his assurance that he will patiently bring justice to victory.
Jesus is on the side of the weak. His message, demanding thought it may be, does not crush people. Justice comes through compassion - like care for the bruised reed - not through the exercise of power and violence. In this way Jesus is pleasing to his Father. Prayer strengthens the soul and personality, making us ever-more pleasing to God.
Jesus will always intervene on behalf of the weak, and do so in a way which is sensitive to them, and takes the limelight off himself. Justice is a major concern of Jesus, and this concern with justice will bring hope to all people. In prayer we often find the conviction and strength to do the work of justice.
Jesus values even what is fragile or bruised; I bring the hopes I cherish before him and ask for blessing and hope. I acknowledge my hopes for myself, my relationships and I consider how I might work with God to bring them to life.
The voice of Jesus is not shrill or contentious: the spirit of God speaks to our hearts in a gentle and undramatic way. I pray that I may hear the voice of the Lord.