Matthew 12:9-21
Introduction: As we close our series on justice during the Lent and Easter season we reflect on the premise: there is no true justice without Jesus, and there is no true Jesus without justice. Justice is a concept that is being debated in many of our current cultural/political conversations. It is entirely possible for us to err in two directions in seeking a biblical application of justice to our present culture. One, we might settle for a cultural version of justice without reference to Jesus. Two, we might seek to uphold a version of justice in the name of Jesus that ignores the legitimate plights of others. As we have seen in this series, both of these versions of justice are incomplete. Jesus shows us the way to full and comprehensive justice.
Jesus Message = Proclaim Justice, Jesus Mission = Lead Justice to Victory
Our series has shown us that justice is not a side issue. It is not an optional concern relegated only to those who have the gift of mercy and compassion. Justice is a theme central to both Testaments of the Bible, and this passages clearly shows us – it is a critical component of the Gospel message. In the Old Testament, we have observed God’s call for justice in the prophets like Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, Malachi, and Amos. In the New Testament we find that Jesus aims to carry out justice, albeit in a way that no one could comprehend. Despite the long history of injustice in the world, this passage in Matthew proclaims that Jesus will lead justice to victory. How can we know that things will get better? How can we know that justice will one day prevail? The bible teaches we can know because Easter is true. The risen Jesus is our only hope for the victory of justice. This passage tells us how and why we can believe this.
1. The Apparent Absence of Jesus
It is no surprise that Jesus drew in large crowds. His message was viral for all kinds of people looking for justice, hope, and peace in a broken world. In verse 9, a man with a shriveled hand comes to Jesus in his brokenness and need for healing. Jesus saw the man and felt compassion, but the Pharisees saw an opportunity to win an argument. Jesus responds by healing the man and indicating that the Law of God is not an excuse to ignore the cause of broken people. Even this small interaction is a good lesson for us today.
The Pharisees did not take Jesus’ remarks lightly, but plotted to kill him. We should expect Jesus to valiantly stand in their way and condemn them, right? Wrong. Verse 15 indicates that Jesus “withdrew” and even warned people “not to make him known.” Why would he do that in the midst of peoples’ pain and desire to meet with him? With so much injustice in the world?! Perhaps we too have felt this way about Jesus. One of the most difficult parts about being a Christian is that Jesus often seems absent when we feel like he should be near. That’s why Matthew quoted this text from Isaiah. There is something deeper going on here, there is a bigger picture. We must remember that an apparent absence of Jesus does not mean that he is not working.
2. The Baffling Strategy of Jesus
So if Jesus is not absent, then what is he doing? What is the big picture? Here is where we need to take a closer look at this long passage from Isaiah. This is the longest quote in his gospel. In this beautiful prophecy, Isaiah claims that this chosen servant “will not argue or shout. You will not hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not put out a smoldering wick.” Here is the strategy: Quiet and gentle. When we see injustice in the world, we sometimes want Jesus to reign down fire. We sometimes want him to confront his opponents and stand proud and bold. We want King Kong to rise up and fight against Godzilla! But Jesus has a very different strategy. He doesn’t withdraw from a broken world of injustice, He withdraws from using certain strategies like arguing, shouting, publicity, power, or political force as the primary method in his fight for justice. Among all the brokenness, injustice, and division in the world, Jesus chooses a rather baffling strategy. He finds a way to enact full justice and to embrace broken people in loving gentleness. He takes it all upon himself. If Jesus used our strategies to lead justice to victory - there would be no one left! Only Jesus would stand guiltless and safe if God’s perfect justice would be led to victory. But Jesus chose to be broken on our behalf, and take upon himself the wrath of God against all injustice. As we peruse the landscape of today wondering how all the injustice in the world will be finally quelled, let us never forget the ultimate example of our mighty but gently Jesus. He is the reason we can have hope in a future where justice is victorious.
3. The Certain Victory of Jesus
Jesus identifies himself as the chosen servant in Isaiah, and this is incredible news. For it reads that he will not stop “until he has led justice to victory.” What this means for us is that we don’t have to be merely optimistic about Jesus’ future victory, but certain. How can this be possible? The future victory of justice finds its ground in the resurrection, and so we can be certain that He is working. Even when we can’t make sense of what He is doing.
If the Easter story is true, then the absence of Jesus is only apparent, and the baffling strategy is the best strategy, and the victory is certain. This is the joy of every Christian on Easter Sunday, because Jesus did rise from the dead. The Father affirmed his work on the cross to save sinners and his mission to “proclaim justice to the nations.” Do you really believe that? Will you look back to the certain victory of the Cross and look forward to the certain victory of his coming?
REFLECT OR DISCUSS
Have you struggled recently with the feeling that Jesus is absent - either in your life or the needs of the world? How does this affect you (doubt, apathy, anger, anxiety)?
When it appears that Jesus is absent how can it help to remember the big picture as “painted” for us in this passage (ie, This broken world is not the end! Jesus is not finished with his mission)? What about the picture of Jesus here is most encouraging to you?
Jesus’ strategy was baffling to everyone - including those closest to him. Sometimes we are able to believe that Jesus is there - but we are so baffled by what he is doing. Can you identify with this? How so?
What about Jesus quiet and gentle strategy is hardest for you (in a broken world filled with injustice?)
What about Jesus quiet and gentle strategy is most appealing to you (in your own brokenness and/or guilt and complicity in injustice toward the poor, needy and marginalized)?
How does the gospel show us how God can be unswervingly committed to justice and unswervingly committed to gentleness for people broken by a world of sin (even those guilty of injustice, which is all of us at some level)?
If the resurrection is true, how does this give us certainty about a final victory for justice? What difference does this make in our lives now? in working for justice now?
It was said in the sermon that people who really believe the resurrection is true, have the greatest reason and hope to work for justice now? Do you agree? What would this look like? What would it look like for you?