Intro: Whether or not we realize it, we all have a reputation for how we treat other people, animals, and our earth. People are always watching other people and forming opinions. Obviously, we should be consistently taking care of all of these areas of God’s creation, but hypocrisy sneaks into our flesh and we can care a lot more for one and very little for the others.
For example, the Pharisees had a reputation of rescuing injured animals on the Sabbath, while at the same time neglecting the physical and healing needs of their fellow human beings because they believed it violated the Sabbath law. These leaders had a reverence for God, but they had neglected to allow God’s genuine love to connect them in compassionate service to others. These religious leaders fastidiously followed the law, but they failed to rise to the greatest and most important issue—Love.
In our passage today, we can clearly see the compassionate nature of Jesus and the justice he championed. Isaiah prophesied about Messiah’s loving nature. Jesus did not add to people’s burdens, he lightened them in God’s love by offering support, forgiveness, and kindness. Curiously, Jesus did not want the people he helped to tell others, because he did not want others coming to him for the wrong reason. Yes, he came to be humanity’s King; however, the reputation Jesus wanted ascribed to him was one of the Servant King of all creation. May we be mindful of our reputation.
Matthew 12:15-21 NLV Jesus Heals Many People
15 Jesus knew this and went away from there. Many people followed Him and He healed all of them. 16 He told them to tell no one of Him. 17 It happened as the early preacher Isaiah said it would happen, saying, 18 “See! My Servant Whom I have chosen! My much Loved, in Whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit in Him. He will say to the nations what is right from wrong. 19 He will not fight or speak with a loud voice. No man will hear His voice in the streets. 20 He will not break a broken branch. He will not put out a little fire until He makes things right. 21 In His name the nations will have hope.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the example you always provide about having a Servant’s heart. May we, as your children, be willing to have the same heart as we faithfully care for all of your creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.