Show Don't Tell: Matthew 12:15-21

Instead of saying "Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's servant prophecy," watch the withdrawal. Aware of the Pharisees' plot, Jesus withdraws. Many follow; he heals all their diseases but warns them not to tell. Why the secrecy? Matthew explains with Isaiah: "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight." This Servant won't quarrel or cry out. No shouting in the streets. "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out." Picture it: a reed already bent, nearly broken—he supports it. A wick barely glowing, almost extinguished—he fans it back to flame. He handles the fragile gently. "In his name the nations will put their hope." The Servant's gentleness extends beyond Israel. The world is waiting for this kind of Messiah.