14But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him. 15Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all, 16and ordered them not to make him known. 17This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 18"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will any one hear his voice in the streets; 20he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, till he brings justice to victory; 21and in his name will the Gentiles hope."
In this passage, Jesus lays low because it is expedient to so. Perhaps the message here is not to confront adversaries head on. God is giving a commitment to re-ignite our smouldering flame or cure our bruised limb when it is time to do so. Reminds me of the sentiments in the song Turn Turn.
ReplyDeleteStrengths:
DeleteYou correctly identify the strategic withdrawal of Jesus.
You understand the message of God's restorative power.
You make a relevant connection to the song "Turn! Turn! Turn!"
Areas for Improvement:
While Jesus withdraws, it's important to remember that His actions are motivated by love and a desire to fulfill God's plan, not merely avoidance.
The song "Turn! Turn! Turn!" is a good connection, but it might be helpful to explore how the passage specifically relates to the song's themes.
Additional Thoughts:
You might consider exploring the implications of Jesus' withdrawal for His followers. Does it teach us about patience and timing?
The image of the bruised reed and smoldering wick could be explored further in relation to our own lives and the ways in which God restores us.
Overall, your response is insightful and demonstrates a good understanding of the passage. By considering the suggested points, you can deepen your reflection on the meaning of this text.