Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 12:14-21

"But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him. And Jesus perceiving [it] withdrew from thence: and many followed him; and he healed them all, and charged them that they should not make him known: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, 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 declare judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles hope." — Matthew 12:14-21 (ASV)

The Pharisees took counsel to find some accusation, that Jesus might be condemned to death. Aware of their design, as his time was not yet come, he withdrew from that place.

A face does not more exactly mirror another face in water than the character of Christ, as drawn by the prophet, mirrors his temperament and conduct as described by the evangelists. Let us with cheerful confidence commit our souls to so kind and faithful a Friend. Far from breaking the bruised reed, he will strengthen it; far from quenching the smoking flax, or a wick nearly out, he will instead fan it into a flame.

Let us lay aside contentious and angry debates; let us receive one another as Christ receives us. And while encouraged by the gracious kindness of our Lord, we should pray that his Spirit may rest upon us and enable us to copy his example.