The Chosen Servant

Today's Reflections 
 
                                    

 

The Chosen Servant

Mt 12:14-21

¹⁴The Pharisees went out and took counsel against [Jesus] to put him to death.

¹⁵When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many [people] followed him, and he cured them all, ¹⁶but he warned them not to make him known. ¹⁷This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:/ ¹⁸“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,/ my beloved in whom I delight;/ I shall place my spirit upon him,/ and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles./ ¹⁹He will not contend or cry out,/ nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets./ ²⁰A bruised reed he will not break,/ a smoldering wick he will not quench,/ until he brings justice to victory./ ²¹And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

HE WITHDREW. Because of controversy over the Sabbath, the Pharisees feel greatly offended and take counsel on how to put Jesus to death. Realizing this, Jesus withdraws and keeps his distance, not for fear of the religious leaders or of his life. Neither does he abandon his preaching ministry.

Matthew explains Jesus’ “retreat” as guided by Isaiah’s prophecy about the mysterious Ebed YHWH or God’s Servant. This servant will accomplish God’s mission of liberating people not by the use of force or violence but by meekness and suffering. Scholars have debated on this historical figure Isaiah referred to. It is perhaps one of many prophetic oracles waiting for the “right person” to fulfill them. This person is no other than Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God.

Jesus’ decision and movement are guided by God with whom he communes in prayer. Jesus does not recklessly put himself in danger. But when he knows that the time for him to suffer has come, again in the manner of God’s Servant, he will “set his face” to Jerusalem where he will fulfill his destiny: to suffer greatly, to die, but to rise again after three days.

“Prudence is the knowledge

of what is to be sought and avoided”

(St. Augustine).