Matthew 12:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To provide clarification on the events that have occurred and the intense emotions felt, the evangelist references the prophecy that predicted these occurrences. The prophets articulated every aspect of Christ’s life with such thoroughness that nothing was omitted, revealing not only His actions but also the intentions behind them, demonstrating that they spoke through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If understanding human mysteries is challenging, it is even more so to grasp the divine purposes of Christ without revelation from the Spirit. The evangelist thus cites the words of the prophet, saying, “Therefore let it be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, ‘Behold My child, whom I have willed; My beloved, on whom my soul is well pleased.

He has the power, as he indicates, to shatter the Jews as one would break a frail stick, and to extinguish their anger like smoldering or blazing flax; however, he refrained from doing so until he completed the necessary tasks and triumphed over them in every way. This is illustrated by the subsequent words. In order to leave them without any grounds for excuse, he persevered through all trials, so that those who had no argument could ultimately be judged and defeated.

What is the significance of the “bruised reed and flickering wick,” and in what way does someone “not break” the one and “extinguish” the other (Matt. 12:20)? The bruised reed likely represents an individual who, despite any struggles, strives to obey God's commandments. Such a person is not to be broken or discarded but rather to be restored, as the Lord instructs, "See that you do not do your righteous acts before men to be seen by them" (Matt. 6:1); and as the Apostle exhorts, “Do all things without grumbling or questioning” (Phil. 2:14); and in another passage, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit” (Phil. 2:3). The flickering wick symbolizes one who carries out a command not with fervent devotion and dedicated effort, but with laziness and indifference; this should not be extinguished, but rather kindled by reminding him of God’s judgments and promises.

The individual who refuses to reach out to the sinner or support his brother in their struggles harms the already fragile. Likewise, one who looks down on the feeble flicker of faith in those vulnerable extinguishes the dim light. In contrast, Christ did not act in these ways, for He came to redeem what is lost.

What is the significance of the phrase, “He will not break the broken reed, nor extinguish the smoldering wick”? The one who emulates the Lord and approaches others with kindness does not allow the reed, which has been damaged by sin, to be further harmed. Furthermore, if someone's heart is clouded by the smoke of vanity arising from their virtues, this compassionate figure does not snuff it out; rather, they foster the same passion until that individual reaches a complete understanding. Ultimately, this may also imply that just as the good seed grows, so do the weeds (Matthew 13:25-30); that is, alongside righteousness, the tendencies towards seeking human approval and pride arise. The Master of souls instructs that the weeds should not be removed until the virtues have matured, ensuring that those who seek to eliminate these flaws do not inadvertently uproot the passion for goodness in the process.

He addressed the Jewish people, recognizing their utter inability to withstand His divine and unbeatable strength, illustrating it not merely as a frail instrument but as a shattered one, enhancing their helplessness. He states that while He could easily overwhelm them like a broken reed, He chooses not to do so out of His patience. He will not extinguish the flickering flame. In this context, He portrays the Jews' fiery resentment towards the Savior, referring to the flame as flickering because it is easily snuffed out by the might of Jesus Christ, just as one can easily extinguish a smoldering, burning wick. The term "flax" here signifies linen fabric.

Even in His desire to remain understated, the prophecy of Isaiah is realized: Christ is cherished by God, and within Him resides the counsel of the Father’s will, empowered by the Spirit of God. He announces justice among the nations, and neither the damaged reed is shattered nor the flickering wick extinguished. This signifies that the fragile and weary frames of the Gentiles are not broken but instead preserved for salvation, and the small flame, akin to the flickering wick, remains alight. Weary Israel has not been forsaken of the ancient grace, for there exists the opportunity to reach the fullness of light during the season of repentance. However, this is set within the framework of a specific period—until He executes the judgment of triumph, having vanquished the dominion of death. He will return in His glory, judge the nations, and the Gentiles will place their trust in His name through faith.

He had the power to shatter His adversaries like a fragile reed, yet He chooses not to act in such a manner due to His enduring patience. Instead of casting aside those who are downtrodden, despondent, or burdened by their passions, He opts to uplift, nurture, strengthen, and console them, particularly those who suffer and yearn for liberation. AND THE SMOKING FLAX WILL NOT BE EXTINGUISHED. While it would be simple for Him to quench the feeble wrath of His foes, just as He extinguishes the smoking flax, He refrains from doing so in order to demonstrate His infinite love for us through His patience.

John Chrysostom delves into the prophet's words, "He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not quench a smoking flax." He observes that it would have been easy for Christ to shatter His adversaries like a cane already in ruins, and to extinguish the burning wrath of the Jews like smoking flax. Yet, He chose not to do so, thereby manifesting His profound gentleness. Through this humble and patient demeanor, He will ultimately ensure that the truth prevails, granting victory to truth itself, and in His name, all peoples will place their trust.

"He will not break the bruised reed": the reed symbolizes fragility, instability, and inconsistency (Matt. 11:7); a bruised reed represents profound weakness, referring to the marginalized and the downtrodden, those shattered by life's trials, or those “who are subject to any passion, but are willing to do the will of God.” The Messiah will not shatter this reed, will not completely crush them, will not cast them aside, or abandon them; instead, He will illuminate, fortify, correct, and comfort them. This promise encompasses all who are poor in spirit, as well as those who labor and are burdened, finding rest for their souls in Christ. St.

He will not raise His voice, nor will it be heard in the streets; He will not break the bruised reed, nor extinguish the smoldering wick; He will bring forth justice with integrity; He will not falter nor become weary until He establishes justice on the earth, and the islands will put their hope in His law, or as the LXX translates: and in His name shall the nations hope. The redemptive actions of the Lord Jesus Christ, who serves as the heavenly Instructor of humanity, reveal that the Spirit of God rested upon Him, while He Himself descended in the form of a dove. Without any outward grandeur, displaying profound humility and gentleness, He is the Herald of the gospel.