Scripture Reading: Matthew 12:15-21
The Messiah is the Servant of Jehovah
(Matthew 12:9-32)
Intro.
1. Matt. 12:1-8: Jesus exposed the Pharisees’ hypocrisy as they clung to their traditions concerning the Sabbath which led them to condemn the guiltless (12:7). He showed Himself to be “Lord of the Sabbath” (12:8).
2. Matt. 12:9-30: The hatred of His enemies becomes increasingly pronounced as they plot to destroy Him.
3. In contrast, we see the merciful servant of Jehovah healing the afflicted and offering deliverance to the nations in fulfillment of OT.
I. JESUS: THE LORD OF THE SABBATH, THE LORD OF MERCY, 12:9-14 (8).
A. The Unmerciful are Ready to Accuse and Condemn the Merciful (Rom. 1:31); 12:10; Jno. 9:13-16; cf. Lk. 15:25-32.
-This angers and grieves the Lord! Mk. 3:4-5
B. Mercy is a Response to the Value of the Person, 12:11-12.
1. No conflict between law and genuine mercy, Matt. 23:23.
2. The goodness of God’s law provides for mercy that does not conflict with law.
3. Mercy is not shown by ignoring/suspending God’s law; mercy is developed and offered when we follow God’s law (Matt. 5:7).
C. The Merciful Miracle of Jesus Produced an Urgency to Destroy Him, 12:14. (To be merciless toward Jesus)
1. Destroy: To put out of the way entirely; useless, to ruin, to kill.
2. The merciless will be destroyed, Prov. 21:13; 2 Sam. 22:26-27.
II. MESSIAH IS GOD’S SERVANT WHO BRINGS PEACE, JUSTICE AND TRUTH, 12:15-21 (Isa. 42:1-4).
A. He had Work to do before He Gave Himself up to His Enemies, 12:15-16 (Jno. 5:36).
1. His work as God’s Servant (Messiah): “Declare justice to the Gentiles” – Bring the gospel (full truth) to the nations.
2. Matt. 12:18: The presence of the Spirit of God was evidence He is Messiah (Isa. 42:1; Matt. 12:28).
3. His work was to bring truth and justice to Jews and Gentiles (redemption), 12:19-21 (Isa. 42:4).
a. Miracles were the evidence needed to trust Him as Messiah.
b. Words proclaimed “justice for truth” (Isa. 42:3).
B. Jesus Fulfilled Messianic Prophecy, 12:17-21:
1. God’s Servant, 12:18. Jesus was a servant in form (Phil. 2:5-7) and in obedience (Phil. 2:8).
2. Chosen by God (Anointed, Christ): God is well-pleased, 12:18.
3. Spirit of God, 12:18 (28); cf. Lk. 11:20. (Denotes the power of God, the word of God, the unity of God)
4. Declared justice to the Gentiles, 12:18 (law, truth, Isa. 42:3; Psa. 19:9; 119:29-30).
5. He would not seek publicity, popularity or praise, 12:19-20.
6. Gentiles will trust in Him, 12:21 (Gen. 22:18).
III. COULD THIS BE THE SON OF DAVID? 12:22-30
A. A Miracle Called Attention to Jesus, 12:22-23 (cf. 12:15-16).
B. The Accusation: “This Miracle Worker is of the Devil”! 12:24
C. Jesus Answers the Charge, 12:25-30.
1. Chaos principle, 12:25.
a. Applied, 12:26.
b. Hypocrisy of His accusers, 12:27.
c. Right conclusion, 12:28 (Lk. 11:20).
2. Plunder principle, 12:29 (Lk. 11:21-22).
3. No neutrality, 12:30 (Lk. 11:23).
IV. ONE IS NEVER FORGIVEN AS LONG AS HE DENIES JESUS IS THE MESSIAH BY DENYING HIS POWER, 12:31-32; Mk. 3:28-30.
A. Jesus put the Emphasis on the Divine Power and Presence of Deity in this warning (not Himself). Consistent with His nature and work, 12:19-20).
Conclusion
1. God’s Servant came to serve sinners by serving the will of God.
2. We must put our trust in His power and His truth; there is no other Savior. (Acts 4:12)