What does it mean that “a bruised reed He will not break” in Matthew 12:20?

Response

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” «A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory. », (Matthew 12:20). When Matthew wrote these words, he was quoting a prophecy from Isaiah 42:1–4. This prophecy pointed to the actions and demeanor of the coming Messiah, now revealed as Jesus Christ. In the prophecy, the “bruised reed” and the “smoldering wick” refer to the spiritually, physically, or morally weak. A reed that is bruised may be damaged, but it is not irreparable. A “smoldering wick” may be about to lose its fire altogether, but it can still be reignited.

At the beginning of Matthew 12, we find the disciples walking through a grain field with Jesus, picking grain to satisfy their hunger. According to Deuteronomy 23:25, grain-picking was a lawful activity, but the Pharisees, always quick to condemn, questioned its legality because that day was the Sabbath. They accused the disciples of “harvesting” grain and therefore “laboring” on the Sabbath day.

Jesus explained that doing good on the Sabbath was acceptable and that there was something bigger going on here than simply observing a holy day «But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. », (Matthew 12:6). He went on to explain that the Pharisees condemned the innocent due to misunderstanding the Scriptures, which said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (verse 7;cf: Hosea 6:6). While the Pharisees sought to judge those who did not suffer for piety, Jesus sought to grant mercy to all.

A little later, the Pharisees challenged Him by asking,“Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” «and, behold, there was a man whose hand was withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days? that they might accuse him. », (Matthew 12:10), and Jesus once again advocated for mercy by healing a disfigured man right before their eyes (verses 11–13). Later on, Jesus “healed all who were ill” in a large crowd that was following Him (verse 15). Instead of publicizing His healing ability extensively, Jesus cautioned the crowd not to disclose His miracles to anyone else (verse 16). Jesus’ instructions for secrecy here led Matthew to cite the ancient prophecy, shedding new light on Isaiah’s words with the revelation of the Messiah’s identity:

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,

my chosen one in whom I delight;

I will put my Spirit on him,

and he will bring justice to the nations.

He will not shout or cry out,

or raise his voice in the streets.

A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

he will not falter or be discouraged

till he establishes justice on earth.

In his teaching the islands will put their hope” (Isaiah 42:1-4).

We anticipate that individuals with special abilities would seek the limelight, engage a promoter, or in some other way pursue as much fame as possible. However, Jesus did not conform to that expectation. In fulfillment of prophecy, He did not “shout” or create a commotion. He worked quietly, sometimes purposefully evading the public eye, to fulfill God’s will.

And then there is the bruised reed. To the world, a bruised reed is deemed worthless. It lacks power, stability, and purpose. It is deemed good for nothing but to be cut down and discarded. Thus, in the world, there are many bruised

People, individuals who have been wounded emotionally, spiritually, or physically. They are fragile, and to most of the world, they are dispensable. But not to God. The prophecy that Jesus fulfilled is that the bruised reed He would not break. It’s a prophecy that speaks of Christ’s tender, compassionate care for the weak and downtrodden.

The disfigured man whom Jesus met in Matthew 12 was a “bruised reed,” and Jesus gave him strength and cured his shriveled hand. The woman taken in adultery was a “bruised reed” in John 8, and Jesus saved her from stoning and forgave her sin. Jairus was a “bruised reed” as he mourned his daughter’s death, but Jesus strengthened his faith and raised his daughter from the dead. The woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8 was a “bruised reed,” and Jesus restored her to full health. The disciple Peter was a “bruised reed” after his denial of the Lord, but Jesus gently and lovingly renewed him to fellowship after the resurrection. Over and over in the gospels, we see Jesus caring for the “bruised reeds” of the world.

Jesus understands the bruised reed. He was “bruised for our iniquities” «But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. », (Isaiah 53:5, NKJV). In other words, He was bruised on behalf of those bruised by sin. Those who come to Christ He will not despise. They have this promise from Jesus: “[God] has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted” «The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; », (Isaiah 61:1).

You may be a “bruised reed” in some way today. You may be pressed

Feeling weighed down by the troubles of this world? You might be grappling with uncertainty and anxiety. You could be weak and discouraged, on the verge of giving up. Remember this: Jesus is compassionate. He will show mercy to those who are broken-hearted, kindness to the humble, love to the repentant, and solace to the suffering. Approach Him with faith, placing your trust in His power, and discover His abundant grace for everyone.