Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Matthew 12:15-21

The Gospel of Matthew makes it clear that Jesus is the Servant of the LORD whose ministry was prophesied in Isaiah 42:1-4. Matthew 12:15-17 points out that one example of the true servant heart of Jesus was that, despite healing “all who were ill” in the large crowd that followed Him, Jesus studiously avoided using those miracles for publicity. His ministry to them was purely for their benefit, and not to draw any attention to Himself or His ministry.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus did not set Himself at the centre, or use brash, self-exalting methods to attract attention to Himself (v.19). Instead He gently ministered to restore those who were bruised by life in this fallen world, and to revive those whose faith was faltering and failing like a smouldering wick (v.20). They were His priority. Their physical and spiritual care were His first concern.

For the Servant of the Lord, the aim was to meet people’s physical needs in a way that simultaneously met their deepest spiritual need, by bringing them home to God without any coercion or manipulation. Gentle, loving and compassionate care for the vulnerable individual in front of Him was His ‘calling card’.

Lord Jesus, Servant King, teach me to serve others as You did. Purify my heart of wrong and self-centred motives; and give me Your Spirit to empower me, I pray. Amen.