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Matthew 12:20
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Context
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Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory--"unto truth," says the Hebrew original, and the Septuagint also. But our Evangelist merely seizes the spirit, instead of the letter of the prediction in this point. The grandeur and completeness of Messiah's victories would prove, it seems, not more wonderful than the unobtrusive noiselessness with which they were to be achieved. And whereas one rough touch will break a bruised reed, and quench the flickering, smoking flax, His it should be, with matchless tenderness, love, and skill, to lift up the meek, to strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees, to comfort all that mourn, to say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus knew their thoughts,.... He not only heard their blasphemous words, but was privy to their secret thoughts; he knew their vile malicious intentions and designs, with what view they expressed themselves in this manner, on purpose to reproach him, and set the people against him, contrary to the inward light of their minds, and dictates of their consciences; who must, and did know the contrary of what they said: and regarding the inward frame of their minds, as well as their words, and which is a proof of his omniscience, and so of his deity, and consequently of his Messiahship, said unto them the following parables, as Mark calls them, Mar 3:23 or proverbial expressions: every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; a government, in which there is a disagreement between the chiefs of it, and the body of the people, or where one part is opposed to the other, or in which a civil and intestine war is begun and prosecuted, cannot continue in any comfortable situation, and flourishing state, but must come to nothing: this is a maxim that has been so often fatally verified, that no one will doubt the truth of it; and the same holds true of lesser communities, of cities, and families: and every city, or house, divided against itself, shall not stand. If citizens fall out with their magistrates, or one with another, and turn out, and disfranchise each other; and if the heads of families, and the respective branches thereof, quarrel with, and divide from one another, a dissolution of the whole must ensue; and the same may be said of the kingdom and government of Satan. These, it is very likely, were common sayings among the Jews, and they might be very easily understood by them; and are very appropriately produced by Christ to illustrate the present case, and confute the vile and blasphemous suggestions of the Pharisees: a proverbial expression, much like to these, is to be read in the writings of the Jews, , "every house, in which there is a division, at the end shall come to desolation" (u). (u) Derech Eretz, c. 5.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:20 Instead of increasing people’s spiritual burden, Jesus offers compassionate forgiveness and sustenance (see 11:28-30; 12:1-14).
Matthew 12:20
God’s Chosen Servant
19He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. 20A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory. 21In His name the nations will put their hope.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Se Pt5 - Practical Holiness
By Paul Washer3.8K1:06:19ISA 6:3ISA 42:3MAT 6:33MAT 12:20ROM 3:23ROM 12:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of guarding one's mind and making decisions based on what is true. He warns against allowing sinful influences, such as television programs promoting sex outside of marriage, to enter one's mind, as it goes against God's teachings. The preacher also highlights the consequences of not retaining the knowledge of God, as described in Romans 1:28, where people become filled with wickedness and depravity. He encourages the audience to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives and reminds them of the vastness of God's love.
(Basics) 42. Jesus Love Is Seen in His Dying
By Zac Poonen2.1K13:10MAT 5:45MAT 12:20LUK 19:41LUK 19:45ACT 20:35In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God blesses us with material possessions so that we can use them to bless others. Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and his love compelled him to use his possessions to benefit others. The speaker also highlights Jesus' compassion and willingness to be inconvenienced for the sake of others. Jesus wept over Jerusalem and used a whip to drive out those who were misusing the temple, but his actions were motivated by love. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to demonstrate this same love by doing good and delivering people from the oppression of Satan, just as Jesus did.
Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
By C.H. Spurgeon1.6K51:21GEN 49:14PRO 20:4ISA 40:11ISA 42:1MAT 11:28MAT 12:20In this sermon, Reverend C.H. Spurgeon speaks about the comfort and hope that can be found in God's mercy and grace. He uses the metaphor of a bruised reed and smoking flax to describe those who may feel weak or useless in their faith. Spurgeon assures his listeners that God will not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax, but instead, He will provide deliverance and victory. He encourages those who may feel inadequate or worthless to trust in God's plan and promises, reminding them that even the smallest spark can have a significant impact.
Our Lord and the Woman Who Had the Issue of Blood Mark 5:24-34
By R.A. Torrey0FaithHealingLEV 15:19PSA 108:12ISA 53:5MAT 9:20MAT 12:20MRK 5:24LUK 8:43ROM 10:10PHP 4:6HEB 4:2R.A. Torrey explores the profound encounter between Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood, emphasizing her desperate need for healing and the faith that drove her to touch Jesus. Despite years of suffering and failed attempts at finding relief, her belief in Jesus' power led to her miraculous healing. Torrey highlights the importance of confession and the personal relationship with Christ, as the woman ultimately acknowledges her healing before Him, receiving not only physical restoration but also peace and affirmation. The sermon illustrates how faith, even when imperfect, can lead to divine intervention and transformation.
Who Hath Despised the Day of Small Things
By A.B. Simpson0ISA 66:24MAT 12:20EPH 6:161TH 5:19HEB 11:34Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'sbennumi,' which refers to quenching, putting out, or extinguishing, especially in the context of a fire or light. In Ephesians 6:16, Paul uses 'sbennumi' metaphorically to describe how the shield of faith can extinguish all the fiery attacks of the devil, preventing them from spreading. This concept is further explored in various Old Testament and New Testament passages, emphasizing the believer's ability to counteract and block the schemes of the enemy through faith and the power of God.
The Faithful Promiser (31 Day Devotional)
By John MacDuff0DEU 33:25JOB 17:9PSA 25:10PSA 84:11PSA 119:49ISA 1:18ISA 40:31ISA 60:20HOS 2:19HOS 14:4MAT 12:20LUK 22:31JHN 13:7JHN 14:16JHN 14:18JHN 14:27ROM 8:281CO 15:532CO 9:8GAL 6:9PHP 1:6HEB 10:231PE 1:61PE 5:42PE 1:4REV 1:18REV 3:11REV 3:19REV 14:13REV 21:3REV 21:25John MacDuff preaches about the glorious promises of God, highlighting the delight of pleading individual promises at the mercy-seat and the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness. He emphasizes the gracious conference of God offering pardoning grace, the provision of needful grace in times of trial, and the abundance of all-sufficient grace for every situation. MacDuff also discusses the comforting, restraining, restoring, sanctifying, reviving, persevering, dying, and after-grace of God, encouraging believers to surrender to God's love and trust in His compassion and strength.
Self-Examination
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual ReadinessSelf-ExaminationMAT 11:28MAT 12:20MAT 18:3LUK 10:37JHN 3:36ACT 15:36PHP 4:13HEB 10:36HEB 12:141JN 1:4J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for self-examination among believers, urging them to reflect on their spiritual state in light of the abundant privileges and dangers present in their age. He challenges his audience to consider their relationship with God, the authenticity of their faith, and their engagement with the means of grace. Ryle warns against mere outward religious practices devoid of true heart transformation and encourages a deep, personal connection with Christ. He concludes by calling for a readiness for Christ's return, reminding listeners that genuine faith must be active and fruitful.
The Compassion of Christ to Weak Believers
By Samuel Davies0PSA 34:6PSA 42:11ISA 9:6ISA 40:29MAT 12:20JHN 6:372CO 12:9HEB 4:15REV 19:11Samuel Davies preaches about the compassion of Christ to weak believers, emphasizing how Jesus possesses virtues that harmonize perfectly, showing both gentleness towards humble penitents and severity towards enemies. He assures that Jesus has the tenderest regard for the feeblest penitents, lifting them up and supporting them. Using the metaphors of a bruised reed and smoking flax, Davies illustrates the character of a weak believer as feeble, oppressed, and in need of strong consolation. He highlights the care and compassion of Jesus towards those who feel weak, burdened by sin, and struggling in their faith, assuring them of Christ's willingness to support, strengthen, and nourish even the smallest spark of true love towards Him.
Our Need and Christ's Sufficiency
By K.P. Yohannan0Trust in ChristGod's GraceMAT 12:20ROM 7:14PHP 1:6PHP 2:13K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the balance between recognizing our shortcomings and understanding Christ's sufficiency in our lives. He encourages believers not to be discouraged by their failures or high expectations, as God is always working within us to perfect us for His glory. The sermon highlights the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than our own inadequacies, reminding us that while we may struggle, God's love and grace are sufficient to cover our sins. Yohannan reassures that God does not give up on us, and we must trust Him to mold us into His image. Ultimately, it is through Christ that we find strength and the ability to serve, regardless of our perceived shortcomings.
Arms to Give Alms!
By R. Stanley0EXO 17:12DEU 15:10PRO 19:17MAT 6:19MAT 8:1MAT 12:20MRK 16:18LUK 6:38ACT 20:35ROM 8:32JAS 1:5R. Stanley emphasizes the importance of having open hands to bless others, drawing from Psalms 41 and Proverbs 19:17. He leads a prayer asking God to open our hands to give generously, support the weak, relieve suffering, and help the poor, reflecting the compassionate nature of Jesus. The sermon highlights the blessings of giving and the need to be selfless and compassionate in our actions towards others.
Christ's Triumphal Entry
By Paris Reidhead0PSA 24:3ZEC 9:9MAT 12:20MAT 21:1GAL 2:20REV 19:16Paris Reidhead preaches on Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, emphasizing the need for personal reflection and spiritual implications beyond the familiar events. He delves into the Old Testament prophecies that foretold Christ's entry, highlighting the significance of stripping off pretense and uncovering one's heart before the Lord. Reidhead stresses the importance of absolute honesty and brokenness before God, allowing Him to triumphantly enter every area of our lives. He challenges listeners to remove all hindrances that prevent others from encountering Christ and to serve God selflessly for His glory.
Confess Christ's Lordship
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 12:20MRK 5:4MRK 14:3LUK 4:18JHN 19:36ROM 16:20REV 2:27Wayne Barber preaches on the powerful concept of 'Crush' as seen in Romans 16:20, emphasizing the complete destruction and shattering of Satan's strength and power. The verb 'Suntribo' is used to depict breaking reeds, tearing apart chains, and figuratively representing being brokenhearted. This crushing action symbolizes trampling the devil under our feet, ultimately leading to his complete defeat by God. The promise of God's victory over Satan brings hope and assurance to believers, reminding them that the evil one cannot and will not win in the end.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory--"unto truth," says the Hebrew original, and the Septuagint also. But our Evangelist merely seizes the spirit, instead of the letter of the prediction in this point. The grandeur and completeness of Messiah's victories would prove, it seems, not more wonderful than the unobtrusive noiselessness with which they were to be achieved. And whereas one rough touch will break a bruised reed, and quench the flickering, smoking flax, His it should be, with matchless tenderness, love, and skill, to lift up the meek, to strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees, to comfort all that mourn, to say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus knew their thoughts,.... He not only heard their blasphemous words, but was privy to their secret thoughts; he knew their vile malicious intentions and designs, with what view they expressed themselves in this manner, on purpose to reproach him, and set the people against him, contrary to the inward light of their minds, and dictates of their consciences; who must, and did know the contrary of what they said: and regarding the inward frame of their minds, as well as their words, and which is a proof of his omniscience, and so of his deity, and consequently of his Messiahship, said unto them the following parables, as Mark calls them, Mar 3:23 or proverbial expressions: every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; a government, in which there is a disagreement between the chiefs of it, and the body of the people, or where one part is opposed to the other, or in which a civil and intestine war is begun and prosecuted, cannot continue in any comfortable situation, and flourishing state, but must come to nothing: this is a maxim that has been so often fatally verified, that no one will doubt the truth of it; and the same holds true of lesser communities, of cities, and families: and every city, or house, divided against itself, shall not stand. If citizens fall out with their magistrates, or one with another, and turn out, and disfranchise each other; and if the heads of families, and the respective branches thereof, quarrel with, and divide from one another, a dissolution of the whole must ensue; and the same may be said of the kingdom and government of Satan. These, it is very likely, were common sayings among the Jews, and they might be very easily understood by them; and are very appropriately produced by Christ to illustrate the present case, and confute the vile and blasphemous suggestions of the Pharisees: a proverbial expression, much like to these, is to be read in the writings of the Jews, , "every house, in which there is a division, at the end shall come to desolation" (u). (u) Derech Eretz, c. 5.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:20 Instead of increasing people’s spiritual burden, Jesus offers compassionate forgiveness and sustenance (see 11:28-30; 12:1-14).