Fulfillment

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

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Matthew 12

Matthew 12: 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.”

ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2011 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sermon Summary: The sermon delves into the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, focusing on Jesus’ response to threats and his alignment with the prophetic description in Isaiah. It emphasizes Jesus as the chosen servant, beloved son, and Spirit-filled individual, highlighting his compassionate and humble nature in dealing with the broken and marginalized. The sermon underscores the themes of proclamation, quiet humility, compassion for the vulnerable, and placing hope in Christ’s victory.

Key Points:

• Jesus withdraws from conflict with the Pharisees to fulfill his mission of salvation.
• He embodies the prophetic description in Isaiah as the chosen servant, beloved son, and Spirit-filled proclaimer of justice.
• Jesus’ identity shapes his approach of quiet proclamation, humility, and compassion towards the bruised and broken.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Matthew 12:15
• Isaiah 42:1-4

Humor and Anecdotes:

• The sermon humorously references high school senior superlatives and the concept of being “most likely to succeed” as a reflection on human evaluations compared to God’s divine plan.

Key Quotes:

• “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench until he brings justice to victory.”
• “In His name, the Gentiles will hope.”

Themes:

• Jesus’ identity as a servant, son, and Spirit-filled individual shapes his compassionate and humble interactions with others.
• The contrast between Jesus’ approach of quiet proclamation and humility versus the Pharisees’ aggressive and confrontational behavior.
• The overarching theme of placing hope in Christ’s victory over sin and death, emphasizing the eternal significance of aligning with Him.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Jesus’ identity as a chosen servant and beloved son influence our understanding of humility and compassion in our interactions with others?
2. In what ways can we emulate Jesus’ approach of quiet proclamation and gentleness in sharing the gospel with those around us?
3. Reflect on the significance of placing hope in Christ’s victory as a source of enduring peace and joy. How does this perspective shape our daily lives and interactions?

Metaphors and Stories:

• The metaphor of a bruised reed and a smoldering wick symbolizes Jesus’ compassionate approach towards the broken and vulnerable, highlighting his gentleness and care for those in need.
• The analogy of secondary characters in a play underscores the centrality of Christ as the primary character in the narrative of salvation, emphasizing our role as victorious participants in His story.

This sermon analysis provides a comprehensive breakdown of the key elements presented, offering insights into Jesus’ character, teachings, and the transformative power of aligning with His message of hope and redemption.