The man of St Matthew

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Jesus, Servant and Son: Mt 12,15-23

Overview

Read through these verses, 12,15-23, and before reading on consider why they can be read together.
It is unusual to extend this section to verse 23. There seems to be a general assumption that the new section begins with verse 22, immediately after the quotation. So before we read, a brief explanation is needed for adding the extra two verses.

Firstly, looking at the text, "then" in verse 21 connects; it's a favourite word for Matthew, see 4,1 for a good example. "But" in verse 24 is a divider, it is the same as in verse 15.
Looking at the theme, we will see that the "Son of David" acclamation in verse 23 goes well with the Isaiah quotation. Taking the two together will give both their proper importance in the Gospel.
We can also see that in verse 24 the Pharisees reappear and the language changes, Beelzebul and Satan are now the topics.

That makes the case for reading these verses together. The details will become clearer as we read.

Behold my Servant, 12,15-23

We have already read a similar summary, 8,16-17, including a quotation from Isaiah.

Note how with two verses, 12,15-16, Matthew summarises Mk 3,7-12. What word in Mark has Matthew changed? Note how both evangelists end.

In verse 17, we have Matthew's usual expression for a fulfilment quotation. Consider its significance here.
We have seen many fulfillment quotations in Matthew. This one is the longest; the immediate reference seems to be verse 19.

Read Is 42,1-4 and note especially how Matthew has adapted Is 42,1. Take a look at 3,17 and 17,5.

The mention of the spirit in verse 18 will have some importance a little later (12,28).

Consider the two references to Gentiles, a contrast to the lost sheep of Israel (10,6). We can look forward to 25,32 and 28,19.

Then in verse 22, a demoniac is brought to Jesus. This healing has already been used in 9,32-34. Look back to the earlier one and note the links between the two.
verse 22: note the word used, see also verses 15 and 10. What is this not? Recall 9,33.

The crowd's reaction to the healing is favourable, they call Jesus "Son of David"
See 1,1, 9,27, 15,22 for the importance of this title. How does it reflect the quotation from Isaiah?

Then go to my response.

We now come to hearing Jesus' response to the Pharisees (12,24-37).