Daily Devotions
Matthew
The Jesus That Many Did Not See
Text: Matthew 12 : 15 - 21
How well did the multitudes understand Jesus? How many could see beyond the fact that He had the power to heal? Let us ponder over the prophecy Matthew cited. (There is quite a bit of freedom in the way Matthew cited the text from Isaiah).
“Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen,
My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased.”
MATTHEW 12:18
The text in Isaiah reads a little bit differently.
“Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!”
ISAIAH 42:1
1. No loss of Meaning
Matthew did not quote the Hebrew text verbatim. There is no rule that says he must quote verbatim anyway! All he needs is to make sure that he does not lose any essential meaning in the text from Isaiah.
2. Some changes in arrangement of thought
There were some changes with reference to the arrangement of thoughts.
a) “Chosen” in Matthew and “My Elect One” in Isaiah
b) “My beloved” in Matthew and “In whom My soul delights”
As we compare these slight changes, we find that they are essentially the same. Matthew was attempting to explain the text of Isaiah in his quotation.
3. The focus of the Messiah as God’s Servant was maintained
The most significant thing in this text is that of presenting the Messiah as God’s Servant! Matthew made sure that he used the same word-idea in his text.
Many failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah-Servant of Isaiah’s prophecy! If only they could see beyond His miracles! They would appreciate and love Him as the Father loved Him.
CHECKING AND CONFIRMING THE IDENTITY OF THE MESSIAH
How would anyone be able to confirm that a person is truly ordained of God? This is of particular importance where the identity of the Messiah is concerned! Four things suggest themselves as we study this text from Isaiah.
1. God’s Endorsement (via the Scriptures)
2. The Holy Spirit
3. The Ministry of the Messiah
4 The Character of the Messiah
We have already looked at the first aspect. Jesus’ life and ministry were described by the Scriptures! His sheer familiarity with the Scriptures well expressed in His teachings should have challenged many to search the law and the prophets! They would have confirmed that Jesus was indeed the Messiah!
THE MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD – “I will put My Spirit upon Him”
How could anyone miss the obvious presence and ministry of the Spirit of God in the life of Jesus? The marks or features of a Spirit-filled life should have been obvious to all!
1. The power of the Spirit of God
a) The demanding routine that Jesus maintained every day.
b) The Miracles that Jesus performed again and again.
2. The power of the Spirit of God in the lives of the prophets of God
a) In the life of Moses
b) In the life of Elijah
THE SCOPE OF THE MINISTRY OF THE MESSIAH
The very scope of the ministry of the Messiah was truly staggering! It envisaged reaching out to Gentiles! With the exception of the prophet Jonah, all the other prophets of God ministered in Israel-Judah!
However, according to this prophecy, the Messiah’s ministry will be so extensive that even Gentiles would be included! Israel was not quite ready for this thought yet! Nevertheless the Scriptures predicted that Gentiles would be reached!
“And He will declare justice to the Gentiles…
“And in His Name Gentiles will trust.”
MATTHEW 12:18c, 21
The scope of the ministry of Jesus had not gone very far yet! That was to be the major concern of the disciples! However, there was no mistaking the fact that Jesus already had a very vast ministry going! His ministry already far exceeded that of John the Baptiser! How does one explain such an effective ministry?