Nature Of Christ
Matthew 12:9-21 (ESV)
He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:
“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.
He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
Study Guide Questions:
Observations
What question did the Pharisees ask Jesus in the synagogue, and what was their motive for asking it? (Matthew 12:10)
How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees’ question about healing on the Sabbath? What example did he use to make his point? (Matthew 12:11-12)
What did Jesus do for the man with the withered hand, and how did the Pharisees react? (Matthew 12:13-14)
According to Matthew, why did Jesus withdraw after the Pharisees began to plot against him? (Matthew 12:15-17)
Interpretation
What does Jesus’ willingness to heal on the Sabbath reveal about his understanding of God’s law and the heart behind it?
Jesus withdrew from conflict with the Pharisees not out of fear, but because it was not yet God’s timing. What does this teach about obedience and patience in following God’s plan?
The imagery of the “bruised reed” and “smoldering wick” is used to describe Jesus’ approach to broken people. What does this teach about how God views weakness and brokenness?
Life Application
The Pharisees’ focus on rules blinded them to the needs of the hurting man. Are there ways you have let tradition or routine get in the way of showing compassion to others? Can you think of a recent example?
Jesus healed the man with the withered hand without being asked, showing initiative in mercy. Is there someone in your life who needs help or encouragement, but hasn’t asked? What is one step you could take to reach out to them this week?
The Sabbath was made for people, not the other way around. How can you use your times of rest (like Sabbath or weekends) to both receive God’s love and extend it to others?
Jesus withdrew from conflict because it wasn’t God’s timing, not because he was afraid. Is there a situation in your life where you need to wait on God’s timing instead of forcing your own plans? What would it look like to trust God’s timing this week?
The sermon says that Jesus values and restores “bruised reeds” and “smoldering wicks”—people the world might overlook. When have you felt like a bruised reed or smoldering wick? How does knowing Jesus cares for you in your weakness change the way you see yourself?
The sermon calls us to “believe and live like you believe” in the merciful King. What is one area of your life where your actions don’t yet match your belief in Jesus’ authority and compassion? What is a practical change you could make?