Matthew 12:14-21

¹⁴ But the Pharisees went out and plotted against him, seeking to destroy him.

¹⁵ Jesus, being aware of this, left that region. And many followed him, and he healed them all

¹⁶ but sternly warned them not to make his presence known.

¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was predicted by the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁸ “See, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.

¹⁹ He will not quarrel or shout aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;

²⁰ a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;

²¹ and in his name nations will hope.” _________________________________________

getting off the soapbox

Jesus had the most important message ever proclaimed, yet he decided to get off the soapbox for a while. One of the reasons for this strategy decision was that a conspiracy among the religious elite was mounting. They wanted to assassinate him. His hour would come, but he had others to reach before that time, so he decided to stay away from the big cities.

He did not compromise his ministry by doing so. The crowds would follow him wherever he went, and he would keep healing them all. By staying on the move, and keeping his ministry low-key, he ensured that people from all backgrounds in many places would have access to his grace. The Holy Spirit would draw the needy to him.

I have many friends in ministry around the world who are forced to be creative as to how they share Jesus. The same Holy Spirit works among them to reach the hurting while they stay away from the public limelight. He still draws people to Jesus.

LORD, when we have to make changes in how we do ministry, we will trust you to make those changes work.