Sometimes, it’s a game changer! In a fast-paced game, the coach observes something from the sidelines his players don’t see. He calls a time out, huddles up to make sure they understand what’s going on.
Here Matthew signals a time out and huddles up with his readers.
He wants to make absolutely certain we aren’t so caught up in the fast pace of his storyline - brilliant teaching and dazzling miracles – we fail to see into the heart of Jesus.
Time Out!!!
Ok, so what do we see as we join Matthew for a sideline view of our Star Player? Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page here.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. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out...
Jesus has the Spirit of God. Check, me too!
Jesus has the love of God. Check!
Jesus has the approval of God. Check!
Jesus is proclaiming the truth. Check!
Coach, you wasted a time out. We already know all that!
Now listen up, team! Our Teacher didn’t quarrel. Was so gentle and kind he wouldn’t break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoking wick.
Ohhh!
Didn’t see that! Thanks for the heads up. Now we can get back into the game with a new approach…
We’ll try to respond to every desperately broken and damaged heart, every down and out life, with the gentle compassion and hopefulness of our Team Leader!
The wisdom o fJesus astounds. He tried to teach - and correct their misunderstandings of the Law. Instead of humbly learning - they conspire as to how they can get rid of him. (12:1-14)
ReplyDeleteSo - Jesus withdraws. He still has work to do. He still needs to reach people. He has further instructions for his disciples. So he withdraws, and continues. Continues healing, teaching, fulfilling prophecy, and castingout demons.
He's not afraid. He stands up to them with logic and teachingt that confound and amaze them. He truns their questions back on them. He has knowledge to get out of their traps when they come testing. He sees through. In the end, He will submit to the will of the Father and serves mankind even in his death.
But for now - he withdraws, so he can continue on. Continue reaching out, healing, and teaching.
Earlier (MT 10:16) he told his disciples to be "shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Here, he lives the example of what he told them then.
Oh if we were 1/2 as wise - or 1/2 as focused on our purpose as the Teacher was.