Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. He warned them not to tell others about him. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “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. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.” Matthew 12:15‑21

When I was in seminary, I took a class that focused on the prophets. I can remember that my professor was quite critical of proof texting: the practice of taking a piece of scripture out of context to make an unrelated point. He called it, “fortune‑cookie theology.” Unfortunately, this practice is alive and well for those who use random bits of scripture in an attempt to explain current events or to predict the future. It’s an effective way to monetize scripture and sell books but not a faithful way to honor the word of God. When Matthew quotes the Servant Song from Isaiah 42:1‑4, he is doing much more than proof texting or providing a scrap of evidence. He is indicating that Jesus really is the Messiah, and he is helping us see Jesus in the broader story of God’s faithfulness. 
 
Matthew is not using scripture by taking it out of context but is providing the context. He is helping us better understand the mission of Jesus. In Him, God is keeping his long-awaited promise to rescue His people and bring salvation to the nations. In Jesus, God is bringing justice to the world. He is not just pointing us back to these few verses from Isaiah. He is pointing us back to the grand story of the past and pointing us toward the great hope for the future. That is where we come in, playing our unique role in the present and in the future by joining Him this day, as we do every day, in the restoration of all things.

For Reflection

In what ways have your experienced God’s faithfulness during this year?
How might your life reflect His faithfulness to others in the week ahead?

Prayer

Lord, we celebrate You, the chosen One, and we thank You for Your faithfulness. Give us the grace to be faithful in our role. Help us to serve and love as You loved. Help us to be people of grace, justice, and truth. Amen.