Following Jesus: Proclaiming Justice
Passage: Matthew 12:15-21
Preacher: Mark Kingston
This past week, two devastating milestones were reached in Gaza. The number of Palestinians killed passed 60,000. Half of them were women and children.
In the same week, famine conditions were officially confirmed: not because of drought or natural disaster, but because food is being withheld - used as a weapon by the powerful against the powerless. Closer to home, we carry our own griefs. We see the brokenness of a world that doesn’t work the way it’s meant to.
And we find ourselves asking: Who can fix this?
Matthew’s Gospel answers by pointing to Jesus. That might not surprise you, but watch what happens next!
To explain more about who Jesus really is, Matthew doesn’t just tell his own story - he reaches back 700 years to Isaiah…to a prophecy about the one God would send to put things right. And what we discover might surprise you!
You might expect someone sent to “proclaim justice to the nations” to be powerful because it is a big task! Someone like a king, a president, or a general. But instead, Isaiah says God sends his chosen beloved servant. That’s surprising isn’t it? Surely a powerful person would have more of a chance of success? Why send a lowly servant?
The answer comes in understanding power better. The pursuit of power usually comes from needing to prove something or gain something. Presidents want to win. Kings want to rule. Leaders want to be seen as strong, successful, in control. And that’s the problem. The quest for power is usually fuelled by insecurity. Which means people get used, justice gets twisted and fear spreads. There’s less peace, not more.
That’s why God instead chooses a “beloved servant”. That kind of servant does what their master wants. They know they’re already chosen, loved and delighted in, so they don’t act out of insecurity. And that changes everything.
Jesus didn’t need to prove himself. He didn’t need to chase attention. He doesn’t try to figure it on his own. Instead - he acts as the beloved servant: He listens. He trusts. And when the time comes to act - to extend peace and proclaim justice - he does it all through the Holy Spirit’s power not his own. This is how Jesus lived. This is who he was.
Ok - one last surprise! Jesus turns to his followers, ordinary people like us, and says, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21, NIV). This means we’re sent in the same surprising way Jesus was: chosen, loved, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Maybe you wonder, “Why would God choose me? What can I possibly offer?” Exactly! God doesn’t need powerful, impressive people. He chooses servants who already know they are loved and accepted. People who trust God rather than chasing their own security, comfort or status. When you embrace being a beloved servant, things change. You serve instead of striving for control. You spread peace instead of anxiety. You act justly without needing recognition.
Like Jesus, you don’t have to rely on your strength. You’re invited to depend completely on the Holy Spirit. So let him show you where and how to bring justice, mercy, and peace to the people and situations around you. Do it in His strength not your own.
So, what could that look like practically this week? Take time to ask God what he wants you to do. Maybe it’s forgiving someone, being generous, or welcoming a stranger. Maybe it’s standing up for someone overlooked or quietly helping someone in need.
As the Father sent Jesus, He sends us: not as powerful people, but as beloved servants bringing God's justice and peace right where we are.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
When you look at the world or your own life, where do you feel the weight of “this is not how it should be”? How does it make you feel? Where do you find hope?
“Beloved servant.” Be honest. Does that feel like you? What gets in the way of seeing yourself as chosen, loved, and sent?
Have you ever done the right thing for the wrong reason, trying to prove yourself, get approval, or stay in control? How would it feel to stop striving and start serving from a place of deep security?
Jesus didn’t wing it. He listened, trusted, and moved with the Spirit. What’s one area of your life where you need to stop trying harder and start depending more?
You’ve been sent right where you are. Not to be impressive, but to bring peace and justice. What’s one small, real thing you could do this week to live that out? Be specific.
