A Bruised Reed
Matthew 12:17-21, NIV

17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18 "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope."


People are looking for the God who solves the problems of their lives and brings them blessings. A true God should be able to solve the fundamental problem of human sin. In human history, there is no one but Jesus who has solved the problem of sin.


1. A servant in whom God delights (Mt 12:18).

God loved Jesus the Son of God in whom He was most pleased. Jesus was a servant of God who was obedient to Him. Jesus dwelled in God and always did the work of the Father (Jn 14:10). Those of us who are chosen by God (1Pe 2:9) should become the ones in whom God delights and whom He loves. In order to do so, we have to realize the will of God and live an obedient life according to His will (Php 2:7-8; Ro 12:2). In addition, we should be filled with the Holy Spirit and live a life for the glory of God (Mt 12:18b). Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. He performed wondrous works with the Holy Spirit (Isa 61:1), He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, and He sent us the Holy Spirit (Ac 10:38). When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can become a servant pleasing to God.


2. A servant of gentleness and humility (Mt 12:19).

Jesus is a servant of gentleness and humility. He never argued and shouted because of anger (Isa 53:2). Gentleness and humility are the character of Jesus (Mt 11:29) Since Jesus was humble, He entered Jerusalem on a donkey (Mt 21:5). Moreover, He did not quarrel or raise His voice to exalt himself in any circumstance. We should imitate Jesus and become people of gentleness and humility. No one is greater than the one who is gentle and humble. I hope you show the image of Jesus in your life through gentleness and humility (Mic 6:8).


3. A servant of love and mercy (Mt 12:20).

Jesus is the God of love and mercy who does not break a bruised reed. “A bruised reed” signifies wounded human beings who are incapable and hopeless. We are like a bruised reed that is so weak, always shaken by the wind, wounded, and easily broken. Jesus loves humanity immeasurably and has mercy on them. He heals the sick and strengthens and upholds the weak (Mt 9:35). He carries our heavy burdens, comforts our wounded hearts, and fills us with good things.


Jesus is with us now. He embraces us with gentleness and humility and restores us with His love and mercy. I pray that all of you may look to Jesus our Savior and mature so that you can bear the fruit of character, be filled with the joy of the Lord in your life, and bring great glory to Him.