Matthew 12:19
“He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.”
Context:To better understand this verse, let’s examine the context. In Matthew 12, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees who accused Him of performing miracles by the power of Beelzebub, the ruler of demons. Jesus responds by explaining the fallacy of their argument and the consequences of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ Character:In verse 19, Jesus is described as someone who does not strive or cry out in the streets. This description highlights Jesus’ humility, gentleness, and meekness. He did not engage in quarrels or seek attention by making loud proclamations. Instead, Jesus displayed a calm and gentle demeanor, exemplifying the qualities of a servant-leader.
Fulfillment of Prophecy:Matthew often points out how Jesus’ life and actions fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. In this verse, Matthew refers to a prophecy from Isaiah 42:1-4, which describes the Servant of the Lord. The verse in Isaiah states, “He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.” By quoting this prophecy, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies and that He embodies the qualities of the humble servant described in Isaiah.
A Contrast to the Pharisees:The statement in Matthew 12:19 also serves as a contrast to the behavior of the Pharisees, who sought attention and recognition for their religious piety. They often made a public display of their religious practices, seeking to be seen and acknowledged by others. Jesus, on the other hand, taught the importance of sincere and humble devotion to God, rather than seeking outward recognition.
Application:As followers of Christ, we can learn from Jesus’ example. We should strive to emulate His humility, gentleness, and meekness in our interactions with others. We should avoid the temptation to seek attention or recognition for our own deeds but instead focus on serving and loving others selflessly. Jesus’ quiet strength and unwavering commitment to God’s will serve as a model for us to follow.
