15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all 16 and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; 20 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matthew 12:15–21 (ESV)
One of the characteristics of Matthew’s Gospel was his extensive use of Old Testament references. He did this as comprehensive evidence and fulfillment concerning the identity of the Messiah. Matthew showed his Jewish readers that the LORD’s covenant with Israel was fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth (Matt. 1:18-23). Jesus Christ was/is the Messiah.
Following Jesus’ healing of the man with the withered hand, and knowing that the Pharisees were seeking to destroy Him (Matt. 12:14), He withdrew from where He was. Many, presumably sick, followed Him. Matthew recorded that Jesus healed them all but HeSer commanded them to not make Him known. This was because Jesus did not want His ministry to primarily be about displays of His miraculous power. He came to provide a substitutionary atonement on behalf of sinners.
Matthew commented that this was a fulfillment of Isaiah 42:1-4. Jesus came to bring justice to victory and hope to the Gentiles.
“If the people really knew what the Messiah would have to do, Jesus could proclaim Himself as the Christ. But the Israelites want a conquering king, not the Suffering Servant who goes to the cross before receiving the crown. Thus, as Matthew says in verses 17–21, Jesus’ hiding of Himself fulfills Isaiah 42:1–4. As the prophet predicted, the servant does not cry aloud; that is, He does not make His identity known at first. Christ will wait until He has fulfilled His mission to broadcast the truth about Himself far and wide (Matt. 28:18–20),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“The son of David comes first as the Suffering Servant unwilling to break the bruised reed and smother the smoldering wick (12:20) — to discard what may otherwise appear useless. His army will be made up of the broken and oppressed who through their suffering help usher in God’s kingdom.”
Even today, people misunderstand who Jesus Christ is and why He came to earth 2,000 years ago. There are really only three conclusions. He was either a liar and was not the Messiah, even though He claimed to be. Or, He was a lunatic who insanely thought He was God, but wasn’t. Or, He truly was who He claimed to be; Lord of heaven and earth. The evidence Matthew, and the three other New Testament Gospels, presents a clear and present verdict. Jesus Christ is Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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