15Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. 16He warned them not to tell others about him. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18“Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
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 snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
21In his name the nations will put their hope.” (Matthew 12:15-21)
Thoughts There are some who do not understand why Jesus did not have a better PR guy or an advertising campaign so that he would be more popular. Jesus almost seems against that as he warns people not to tell others that he healed. Isaiah seems to also prophesy that the Messiah would not bang a drum and call a lot of attention to himself. John records that after the feeding of the 5,000 the crowds wanted to make him king, but he refused. When Jesus finally does get good recognition after Lazarus is raised and he processes to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday he is arrested days later and killed. Jesus is trying to keep quiet so that he can continue to do ministry. There are those who believe bigger is always better and advertising is always best at all times. But sometimes the build up is important until just the right moment.
Prayer: Lord, help me to follow your example of knowing when to speak up and when to glorify God quietly.
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