Definition: Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important verse from Matthew 12:18. It's a complex passage, but we can simplify it into understandable terms. Here’s what it means, broken down piece by piece: 1. "Matthew 12:18 Behold my servant…" – This is Jesus speaking and saying something significant. “Behold” is a Greek word that means “look.” So, he's about to reveal something important. 2. “…whom I have chosen…” – This is a very powerful phrase. It means Jesus has made someone special for a purpose. "Chosen" implies being selected and given a role. 3. “…my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased:” – This is the core of the verse. “My beloved” means Jesus loves you deeply. “In whom my soul is well pleased” means Jesus fills you with joy and contentment – it’s a profound happiness that comes from being near him. It’s like saying, "I am happy to be with you." 4. “I will put my spirit upon him…” – This is where the key meaning really comes in. Jesus isn't just talking about any person he has chosen. He’s specifically choosing one individual – a messenger or representative for the Gentiles (people outside of Israel). “My spirit” refers to God himself, but in this context, it represents divine guidance and judgment. 5. “…and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.” – This is the final part that really explains what Jesus will do. “He shall show judgment” means Jesus will deliver a righteous verdict or punishment to the people outside of Israel. “To the Gentiles” refers to all the non-Jewish peoples of the world – meaning everyone who isn’t Jewish. It's about bringing justice and making it right for them, even though they don't follow God's laws as we do. In simpler terms: Jesus is choosing one person (a messenger) to be a judge for all people outside of Israel. He's going to use this person to bring fair judgment and righteousness to the world. It’s about bringing justice and making the world a better place, even though it means challenging traditional Jewish beliefs. What does this verse say about Jesus? It says that Jesus is coming to do a very important job – to be the judge and deliverer for everyone, not just Jewish people. He's demonstrating His power and purpose through this act of judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse might be used in the Bible? Discuss what this passage suggests about Jesus’ role in history?