ISB ~ Matthew 12 v18 - 21

A reference to Is 42:1-4. The Father evokes this same passage at Jesus’ Baptism (3:17). Note that servant (Gk. pais) can be translated “son”.

• Matthew cites Isaiah for three reasons. (1) It summarizes his portrait of Christ:Jesus is the Father’s beloved Son (3:17; 4:3; 11:25-27) and the Servant of the Lord (8:17; 11:5), anointed by the Spirit (3:16), who brings God’s grace to the Gentiles (8:5-13). (2) The citation is fulfilled when Jesus withdraws from his enemies and ministers to the lowly (12:20)—he has no regard for public acclaim (12:16, 19). (3) It points forward to link Jesus’ exorcisms with the power of the Spirit (12:28) (CCC 713).