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Gospel Reading for July 19, 2025 – Matthew 12: 14-21
GREATEST MARTYR
The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
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It was very dangerous for Jesus to go around with the Pharisees wanting to kill him, so he withdrew from the place. If we were in his shoes, would we continue curing the sick in other places? Will we just look for a place to hide and stop going around ministering to the sick?
In our pursuit to be good Christians, we may find ourselves in the same situation. Despite doing our best, our values will not be accepted and we will find ourselves unwanted. Instead of losing hope and giving up, we can withdraw from that place or the people and look for somewhere else where we can continue to bring Christ to others.
Truly, Jesus is the GREATEST MARTYR. He was willing to die so we all may live!
Lord Jesus, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
