Arulvakku

17.07.10 SUFFERING SERVANT

  But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many (people) followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope." (Mt 12:14-21)

 

The first few verses give the real picture of the situation of Jesus. That is he has a very good following. People come after him in crowds may be because they want him to heal them and cure them of their diseases. But there is also an opposition mounting against him. The opposition is from among the leaders and in particular religious leaders. Jesus could only move out of the situation and quiet about it.

Jesus wanting his followers to be quiet or keeping secret about his activities is often called as Messianic secret. One of the reasons for this secrecy is that some of his followers wanted to make use of leadership for a revolt; for a messianic revolt. Also because Jesus wanted to complete his mission through his death on the cross before   his identity was revealed to the world.


The image of him taken from Prophet Isaiah is the suffering servant image (Is 42). This is the servant who will bring God’s blessings and justice to the world. This idea of bringing blessings and peace is the work of the Messiah. The servant is not going to accomplish this through violence and fight but through a gentle work of healing, bearing the love of God to the people. God’s restoration work was not through fuss but rather through gentle healing love.