THE BRUISED REED

The prophet Isaiah foretold the compassionate nature of the coming Messiah ... 

A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. Isaiah 43:1-4 

In the natural world, a bruised reed is considered worthless. Damaged, it has no stability and thus ... no purpose. It is only to be cut down and discarded. 

Bruised reeds are emblematic of those who are wounded emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Christ was not like the Pharisees of His time ... He would fellowship with sinners and minister to the downtrodden. 

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17

1. The man with the withered hand (Mark 3:1-5) was a 'bruised reed'. Jesus healed him. 

2. The woman taken in adultery (John 8) was a 'bruised reed'. Jesus saved her from being stoned and forgave her. 

3. Jairus, inconsolable at his daughter's passing (Luke 8), was a 'bruised reed'. Jesus strengthened his faith and raised his daughter from the dead. 

4. The woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8) was a 'bruised reed'. Jesus restored her to full health. 

5. After he denied the Lord (John 21), Peter was a 'bruised reed'. Jesus forgave him and renewed his calling as an apostle. 

These are but a few of the examples that reveal Christ's divine mission. Over and over throughout the Word of God, we see Jesus caring for the 'bruised reeds' of the world. 

God has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:1

Jesus will never despise those who come to Him ... He is a 'Gentle Savior'. He has boundless compassion for the humble in heart and great affection for the penitent sinner. 

He loves 'bruised reeds' ... come as you are.