MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Matthew 12
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Matthew 12
Retirement of Jesus to Avoid Danger.
Healing of a Withered Hand on the Sabbath Day (Mt 12:9-14).
Jesus went into their synagogue and taught. This was likely in Galilee, but it's unclear if it occurred at Capernaum, as He later withdrew to the sea (Mr 3:7). There, a man with a withered hand stood before Him.
The Pharisees asked Jesus if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath days, intending to accuse Him. They had been watching His every move, waiting for an opportunity to bring charges against Him. Jesus addressed their thoughts in what follows.
Is it not lawful to do good on the Sabbath? He asked them. Would a person not rescue a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath day? How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! This reasoning was also expressed in Luke (Lu 6:8-9) and Mark (Mr 3:4), where Jesus asks if it's lawful to do good or evil, to save life or destroy it.
By this principle, our Lord held Himself bound as a man. He looked around at the Pharisees with anger, grieved by their hardened hearts. Then He said to the man, Stretch out your hand. The man obeyed, and his withered hand was restored whole, just like the other.
The Pharisees left and plotted against Jesus, seeking to destroy Him (Mt 12:14). This is the first explicit mention of their murderous intentions. They were filled with madness and discussed what they might do to Jesus (Lu 6:11).
Jesus Retires to Avoid Danger (Mt 12:15-21).
When Jesus learned about the Pharisees' plot, He withdrew from the area, accompanied by great multitudes who followed Him. He healed them all, but then charged them not to make Him known.
This was in fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by Isaiah: Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles (Isa 42:1). He shall not strive or cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.
A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench until He sends forth judgment unto victory. This refers to the grandeur and completeness of Messiah's victories, achieved with tenderness, love, and skill. In His name, the Gentiles will trust (Mt 12:21).