Matthew 12:18-21

DISCOURSE: 1352
THE COMPASSION OF CHRIST TOWARDS THE WEAK

Matthew 12:18. 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. He shall not strive nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

ONE might gather almost as complete a character of Christ from the Prophecies, as from the Gospels themselves. Not only the great incidents relating to his life and death were foretold, but his spirit and conduct were most minutely delineated. He had just withdrawn himself from the Pharisees who sought to destroy him; and had strongly enjoined his attendants not to make known his miracles. This conduct appeared strange to those who were expecting him to erect a temporal kingdom. But the Evangelist declares that these very things had been made the subject of prophecy many hundred years before. The passage quoted by him from Isaiah is recorded, not with literal exactness, but according to its true import. It declares,

I. The commission given to Christ—

Christ was the Father’s ambassador to our ruined world—
[However, in his divine nature, Christ was equal to the Father, yet, in his mediatorial capacity, he was the Father’s servant. The office assigned him was to shew judgment, that is, the way of righteousness and salvation both to Jews and Gentiles; and for this he was qualified by an immeasurable communication of the Spirit to him [Note: John 3:34.Isaiah 11:2.]

In this view the Father exceedingly delighted in him—
[The Father doubtless regarded him as his beloved for his own sake; but was peculiarly pleased with him as having undertaken the work of man’s redemption. In him he saw, as it were, all his own perfections glorified, and the thrones of apostate angels occupied by sinners of the human race. Hence in triumphant exultation he declares his acquiescence in him, and calls every human being to “behold” him.]

The prophet further specifies,

II.

The manner in which he should execute it—

He was to accomplish his work,

1. Silently—

[There was to be nothing in him ostentatious, contentious, or clamorous: together with firmness and fidelity, he exercised continued gentleness and meekness [Note: His conduct, as related in the context, strongly illustrates this.]. Would to God that many who bear a similar commission would learn of him to execute it in a similar way!]

2. Tenderly—

[The terms here used seem to be proverbial. The former metaphor is taken from reeds, which were used as musical instruments by shepherds, and which, when bruised, could no longer emit any melodious sound. The smoking flax alludes to the wick of a lamp which, when the flame is extinct, produces an offensive smell. Both these metaphors fitly represent the state of a soul bruised under a sense of sin, and lamenting that its grace is nearly extinguished, while whole clouds of corruption are arising from it. But Jesus, instead of despising its low estate, will rather fan the spark into a flame, and cause the worthless reed to send forth melody that shall delight the ears even of God himself.]

3. Successfully—

[However gentle his exertions, he shall never ultimately fail. As his forbearance towards his enemies gave them a momentary appearance of triumph, so he sometimes delays his aid even to his most favoured people; but he will at last prevail, and make his grace victorious in their souls.]
To this description of the Saviour the prophet naturally subjoins,

III.

Our duty towards him—

Blessed be God, our duty is our highest privilege—
We are commanded to trust in him,

1. For instruction—

[Jesus is both qualified and commissioned to enlighten the Gentiles [Note: Luke 1:78; Luke 2:32.]; nor are there any so weak and ignorant but that he can make them wise to salvation [Note: Matthew 11:25.]. Let us then “not lean to our own understanding,” but seek to be “taught of him [Note: Ephesians 4:20.].”]

2. For acceptance—

[It is not merely in his individual capacity, but as the head of the elect world, that he is so pleasing to his heavenly Father. We therefore, if we believe on him, may be certain of acceptance through him [Note: Ephesians 1:6; Ephesians 1:10.]; yea, God will not behold a spot in the most polluted soul, if it be only washed in his blood, and clothed in his righteousness [Note: Ephesians 5:27. Jude, ver. 24.]

3. For victory—

[None have need to despond on account of their own weakness and corruptions: the “grace of Christ is sufficient,” and shall prove so to all who trust in him. “Wherever he has begun the good work he will carry it on unto the end [Note: Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:37.].”]

Application—
1.

The text is addressed to all the sinners of the Gentiles—

[How gracious is God in thus inviting sinners to “behold” his Son! And how powerful the recommendation that is this enforced by the example of God himself! But can any thing be a stronger reproof to those, who, instead of choosing Christ, and being well pleased with him, have uniformly despised and rejected him? Say then, ye ungrateful world, whom will ye condemn; yourselves, or God? Still however, the invitation is addressed to you, “Behold my Son.” O that you may behold him now to your joy, and not hereafter to your confusion!]

2. But the words are more eminently suited to the weak and, desponding—

[More consolatory declarations could not have been desired by man, or given by God. The lowest possible state of grace is here described in most appropriate terms, and an assurance given that it shall prove victorious in the issue. Let the desponding soul then learn to “trust” in Jesus; and even in the midst of conflicts sing, “Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”]