A reed symbolizes weakness (Ezekiel 29:6–7), and a bruised reed
is one that is half-broken (see Isaiah 36:6). A smoldering wick is a nearly extinguished fire. The Servant of the Lord will treat with love those who are like a bruised reed or a smoldering wick. We see this fulfilled in Jesus, who has compassion on the weak: calling to himself all who are weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28–30), eating with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:11), having compassion on the neglected (Matthew 9:36), healing the sick (Matthew 12:15), and bringing good news to the poor (Matthew 11:5). In this way he will cause justice—the divine order (krisin, Matthew 12:18)—to triumph (as seen in Matthew 12:20b’s summary of Isaiah 42:3b-–4a).
Jesus’ humble, quiet, messianic work will save, rather than hurt, the weak who seek him (Matthew 11:28; Isaiah 66:2b). His judgment is an act not only of condemnation, but also of blessing.
The reed is a symbol of weakness (Ezekiel 29:6–7), while a reed that is bruised
refers to one that is half-broken (see Isaiah 36:6). The smoldering wick speaks of a fire that is nearly extinguished. The Servant of the Lord will treat with love those who are like a bruised reed or a smoldering wick. We see this fulfilled in Jesus, who has compassion on the weak. He calls to himself those who are weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28–30), he eats with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:11), he has compassion on the neglected people (Matthew 9:36), he heals the sick (Matthew 12:15), and he proclaims the good news to the poor (Matthew 11:5). In this way he will cause justice—the divine order (krisin, Matthew 12:18)—to triumph (in Matthew 12:20b the evangelist summarizes Isaiah 42:3–4a).1
Jesus’ does not act with violence, and the result of his messianic work will not be that the weak who stand at his side (see Matthew 11:28) are ruined. In fact, his meekness belongs to his messianic task—his revelation of judgment—that he will preserve and save them (see also Isaiah 66:2b). Judgment is not only an act of condemnation, but also an act of blessing. One may also say that the quiet, humble manner of his ministry corresponds with the tenderness with which he treats the weak.2
20 Il ne brisera point le roseau cassé,Et il n'éteindra point le lumignon qui fume,Jusqu'à ce qu'il ait fait triompher la justice.