Matthew 12:15-18
15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. 16 He warned them not to tell others about him. 17 This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight…
To Jesus the Law was an expression of love, and loving others came before following the letter of the Law. This got him in the trouble with the religious leaders of his time. Today’s passage follows such an occasion. Inspired by the Spirit, Matthew sees this as fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 42. Isaiah begins with God’s affirmation of Jesus – he is his servant of choice. He is doing the work God has given him. More than that he is pleased with him, loves him, is delighted with him. This is a dramatic affirmation – God’s concern is for us to be people of love in action, concerned for those around them, rather than those who place doing the right thing first.
Jesus, we delight in you! Help us to share your compassion for others.
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