Gospel in Art: He will not break the crushed reed

Autumn Fen Reeds, by © Elizabeth Sadler, all rights reserved

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 20 July 2024
Matthew 12:14-21

The Pharisees went out and began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy him.

Jesus knew this and withdrew from the district. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah:

Here is my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved, the favourite of my soul.

I will endow him with my spirit, and he will proclaim the true faith to the nations.

He will not brawl or shout, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.

He will not break the crushed reed,

nor put out the smouldering wick till he has led the truth to victory:

in his name the nations will put their hope.

Reflection on the watercolour

About half of this morning's Gospel reading is dedicated to a quotation from the prophet Isaiah. This lengthy citation, more extensive than most other scripture quotes in the Gospels, indicates its importance to the evangelist Matthew. He viewed this text from Isaiah as a powerful description of Jesus and the essence of his mission. In Isaiah's words, God speaks of a chosen servant, endowed with his Spirit. Jesus is undoubtedly this chosen servant, confirmed by the descent of the Holy Spirit upon him at his baptism.

Furthermore, in the quotation, it is said of this servant that he will neither brawl nor shout, reflecting Jesus' self-description as 'gentle and humble in heart.' Isaiah also describes the servant as one who will 'not break the crushed reed, nor put out the smouldering wick,' which also aligns with the Gospel's portrayal of Jesus: he is depicted as being attentive and sensitive to the weakest and most vulnerable, inviting the burdened to come to him for rest and refreshment. A crushed reed is easily broken, and a smouldering wick is easily extinguished, highlighting Jesus' care and compassion for those in need.

We all know what reeds look like, and we know how fragile they are and how they can easily snap. Our watercolour by Elizabeth Sadler conveys this fragility. The autumn wind is blowing in the fens near Ely. If the reeds have to endure too much wind, they may well indeed break.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-12-14-21-2024/