Matthew 12:18

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

هوذا فتاي الذي اخترته حبيبي الذي سرّت به نفسي. اضع روحي عليه فيخبر الامم بالحق.

What Does This Mean?

This verse is God speaking about Jesus. He calls Jesus 'my servant' and says he will put his spirit on him so that Jesus can teach the Gentiles, or non-Jewish people, about judgment.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a favorite toy that you really like playing with. Now imagine if your parents gave this toy to a friend who doesn't know how to play with it properly and taught them all the fun ways they could enjoy it too. That's kind of what God is doing here, but instead of a toy, he's giving Jesus a special job.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Gospel according to Matthew, written around AD 80-90. It was directed at Jewish Christians and possibly early Gentile converts, highlighting how Jesus would bring salvation beyond just the Jews, reaching all people.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse can remind us that we should be open to learning from others regardless of their background or culture. For example, a manager in a diverse workplace might find new ways of solving problems by listening to employees with different cultural perspectives.

Topics

• servanthood
• judgment
• missionary work
• salvation
• God's spirit
• intercultural relations

Related Verses

• Isaiah 42:1
• Matthew 3:17
• Mark 1:10-11
• Luke 3:21-22
• John 1:32

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the 'servant' mentioned in Matthew 12:18?

The 'servant' referred to here is Jesus Christ. This verse describes God's love for Jesus and his role in bringing judgment to the Gentiles.

What does it mean that God will put his spirit upon him (Jesus)?

Putting God’s spirit on Jesus means empowering him with divine wisdom, strength, and authority to fulfill his mission of teaching and guiding others towards righteousness.

How can this verse apply in our daily lives?

This verse reminds us that we are also called to serve as representatives of God’s love and truth, sharing it with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

What is the significance of 'showing judgment to the Gentiles'?

It signifies the inclusion of all peoples in the salvation narrative. Jesus not only taught Jews but also extended his teachings to non-Jewish communities, promoting universal justice and understanding.