MATTHEW 12:15-21, MARK 3:7-19,
LUKE 6:12-16

One of the ways in which God's goodness is revealed is in mercy. Many times, mercy is called compassion or lovingkindness. It is expressed toward the sinner because of the misery that sin has brought upon him.

The "reed" referred to in this passage is probably speaking of the reeds that grew in the marshy areas in the land of Palestine. These were very fragile and could be easily bruised or broken. The term "smoking flax" refers to a linen wick which was made from flax and burned brightly when floating on oil in an open lamp. When the oil was depleted, the flax would just smoke until the oil was replenished.

The meaning of these illustrations is that Jesus is ministering in mercy to those who have been bruised or broken (Luke 4:18), and to those who have lost their oil (spirit). He has come to renew their previous experience (Matthew 5:3; Acts 1:5; 2:4). The Jews were used to the judgment of the law but Jesus came to minister grace and truth (John 1:17), even to the Gentiles (Matthew 12:18, 21).

God's mercy to the believer is seen by His act of taking away the misery of sin through the New Covenant. Salvation is given to us because of God's mercy. It's not something we've earned. As the Apostle Paul states, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS MERCY He saved us".

God is for us, not against us. We can cast all care upon Him, because His mercy endureth forever!