rom Matthew 12:9-21 / The Gentle Shepherd

Immediately after the encounter with the Pharisees over Jesus’ disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath, He goes on to enter the local synagogue.

Note first that as corrupt and defiant as the leadership was, Jesus did not forsake attending the local assembly to worship. How unlike many today who would use poor Church leadership as an excuse not to attend. Why would we consider it reasonable to rob God of the public testimony of our worship over the foolishness of fallen men? Why would we forsake singing His praises together? Hearing His Word read and at least attempted to be applied in some way? Sometimes, we can be more righteous than Jesus Himself.

Note second how because this is true, Jesus will have opportunity to heal the man with the withered hand. Despite our failing assemblies, might not the Lord use us to minister to those within its pale? People are still in need of the mercy and grace of Christ even in deeply flawed Churches. May we be willing conduits of His mercy.

Note third that when Jesus is aware that His enemies were out to destroy Him, that He withdrew. The Son of man knew His time was not yet. He did not find it prudent to die on just any hill – but that of Calvary alone. And we believers, we are not to die on just any hill either. When the cause is truly the Gospel, we must not shrink. But neither are we to stick our chins out and dare our opponents to strike us over every little thing. Christians dividing and warring over politics and lesser matters of religion is a shame. There are times to stand our ground no matter the consequences. And times to withdraw when the cause does not justify it. How we need wisdom to discern which is which.

Note lastly how Jesus’ withdrawal at this point is actually the fulfilling of Isaiah’s prophecy. As such, it teases out the frame of the Gentle Shepherd. Verse 18 begins with God calling us to “behold” – to see and take note of His servant. To take to heart what is about to be revealed about Him.

1. He will proclaim the justice of God to the Gentiles – in showing them their sin, yet not as to condemn them. To show How God is both just, and the Justifier of those who have faith in Christ.

2. He will not do battle with His enemies while here – but be gentle toward them as well.

3. He will be gentle toward those who are broken and bruised and have but the slightest spark of spiritual life kindled within.

4. He will be Gentle to those Gentiles to whom He has proclaimed justice – that in Him, they might hope.

It is not “behold the warrior King.” That He will show Himself to be in due time. But we live in the age when His gentleness and proclamation of grace to the nations is still the leading feature.

Oh, that we would proclaim it. The we might be the ones crying “BEHOLD!”

Oh may the nations hear.