15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; 16 And charged them that they should not make him known: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 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. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. (Matthew 12:15-21 KJV)
God’s Chosen Servant
Before now Jesus healed a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath. The Pharisees, enraged by the convincing evidence of his miracles, went out and held a council against him to destroy him. They were not only vexed that his miracles outshined their honor but also that his teachings opposed their pride, hypocrisy, and worldly interests. They pretended to be displeased at his breaking of the Sabbath, which was by the law a capital crime (Exodus 31:14-15).
It is no new thing to see the worst practices cloaked with the most righteous pretenses. They carefully planned how to accomplish their goal, taking counsel together in secret to encourage and assist one another. Their cruelty was evident; they did not seek to imprison or banish him but to destroy him—the very one who came to give life.
Because his time had not yet come, he withdrew from there. He could have protected himself by a miracle but chose instead to flee and seek privacy, submitting to the natural limitations of human life. This was part of his humility—being driven to the common refuge of the weak. In doing so, he set an example of his own teaching: “When they persecute you in one city, flee to another” (Matthew 10:23). He had done enough to convince the Pharisees, but instead of yielding to the truth, they hardened their hearts and grew even more enraged. Therefore, he left them as incurable (Jeremiah 51:9).
Christ chose to withdraw and avoid the danger he foresaw, as his hour had not yet come. Yet even in his retreat, multitudes followed him, and he continued his mercies, healing all their infirmities. His example teaches ministers to keep serving even when circumstances limit them. When he healed people, he charged them not to make him known, not seeking fame from his miracles and particularly wishing to remain hidden from the malice of his persecutors. God’s approval, not human applause, is what we should desire.
Christ sought to balance usefulness with privacy. He healed all who came to him, yet he commanded them not to make him known. This can be seen as an act of prudence—it was not the miracles themselves, but the public talk about them, that enraged the Pharisees (Matthew 12:23-24). Though he did not stop doing good, he avoided unnecessary publicity to reduce conflict. Wise and good men desire to do good but do not seek applause for it, aiming instead for God’s approval. In times of trouble, we must boldly continue in duty but also act wisely to avoid provoking unnecessary hostility (Matthew 10:16).
This command can also be seen as an act of judgment upon the Pharisees, who were unworthy to witness more of his miracles after disregarding those they had already seen. By shutting their eyes to the light, they forfeited its benefit. Additionally, it was an act of humility and self-denial. Though his miracles proved him to be the Messiah, and their recognition was necessary for faith, at times he instructed people to keep them quiet to teach us humility. He wanted his disciples to be the opposite of those who did good deeds only to be seen by men.
In all this, Christ fulfilled the Scriptures (Matthew 12:17). Though he withdrew from the public eye, he did so to fulfill God’s word, which was the true desire of his heart. The prophecy quoted here (Isaiah 42:1-4) describes how mild and gentle yet successful the Messiah would be.
The Father delighted in Christ: “Behold, my Servant whom I have chosen, my Beloved in whom my soul is well pleased.” This teaches us that Christ was God’s Servant in the work of redemption, submitting to the Father’s will (Hebrews 10:7) to restore what was lost through human sin. Though he was equal with God, he humbled himself to take on the form of a servant and obeyed completely (Hebrews 5:8).
Jesus Christ was chosen by God as the only one fit to redeem humanity. He was chosen out of the people (Psalm 89:19), uniquely suited for the work of salvation. He did not push himself into this role but was divinely appointed. As God’s Beloved Son, he existed from eternity in the Father’s love (John 1:18; Proverbs 8:30). As Mediator, the Father loved him for his willingness to be bruised for humanity’s sake (John 10:17). Because of Christ’s obedience, God is pleased with him, and through him, we are accepted (Ephesians 1:6). Our only hope of access to God is through Christ (John 14:6).
The Father promised two things to Christ. First, he would be fully equipped for his mission: “I will put my Spirit upon him.” As the Spirit of wisdom and counsel (Isaiah 11:2-3), Christ was divinely empowered for his work. Those whom God calls, he also equips. Though Christ, as God, was equal in power with the Father, as Mediator he received power from the Father to give to others. He was anointed above all (Hebrews 1:9) and received the Spirit without measure (John 3:34). Wherever God bestows his love, he also grants his likeness.
Second, Christ would be abundantly successful. The Lord’s purpose would prosper in his hands (Isaiah 53:10). He would bring justice to the Gentiles, revealing God’s will for salvation. What was once reserved for the Jews (Psalm 147:19-20) was now being extended to the world. The Gentiles would trust in his name, meaning they would believe in him and be governed by his teaching. True faith is seen in those who wait for his law, meaning they are willing to be ruled by it. The law they wait for is the law of faith—believing in Christ (1 John 3:23).
The prophecy also describes Christ’s quiet and gentle approach to his mission. He would not strive or shout in the streets. His kingdom would not come with earthly grandeur (Luke 17:20-21). He spoke with humility, avoiding loud displays of power. His kingdom was spiritual, not advanced by force or pride but by the transforming power of the gospel.
He would deal tenderly with the weak: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” (Matthew 12:20). This describes his patience with both the wicked and the weak. Though he could have crushed the Pharisees, he refrained. More importantly, he strengthens the weak. Those who follow him in fear and trembling are like a bruised reed—weak yet holding on—or like a smoldering wick, barely alight. But he does not crush or extinguish them; instead, he strengthens and revives them. He does not despise the day of small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). He understands our frailty (Isaiah 40:11; Hebrews 5:2).
This gentle approach will ultimately lead to victory: “He will bring justice to victory” (Matthew 12:20). The gospel will prevail. Though Christ’s work begins quietly, it will grow until grace triumphs over sin and his kingdom is fully established. The truth will prevail, for great is the truth, and it will win.