Eight centuries prior to his ministry, features of Jesus' personality were described by Isaiah--perhaps the most preeminent prophet in Israel's history--and later cited by the apostle Matthew in his gospel. It read:
"Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
In his name the nations will put their hope."
(Matthew 12:18-21; Isaiah 42:1-4)
Although Isaiah described Jesus (the Messiah) as someone who would proclaim justice, his proclamation would never involve coercion. He would not use intimidation (i.e., arguments or raising his voice) as a way to motivate. Indeed, the two metaphors used to describe his demeanor evoked his gentleness; even wounded people would have no reason to fear him.
As disciples we must avoid the bombast of so many self-promoting narcissists and work to perfect a peaceful proclamation through which the wounded are led to victory by the gentle Jesus.
Ty !!!