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"Take courage, your faith has made you well" - Matthew 9:22 - FreeBibleImages.org image - Used under license
"But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, 'Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.' And at once the woman was made well." (Matthew 9:22)
This lesson discusses the meaning of Jesus' words, "Take courage." This lesson presents five examples where Jesus spoke the words, "Take courage," to his disciples and others.
Consider. What did Jesus mean when he said to his disciples and others, "Take courage"?
"Take Courage" Meaning
Jesus often spoke the words, "Take courage," to his disciples and others to instill confidence and dispel fear (Ref. 1). "Take courage" means to be strengthened from God, and to be confident and assured from God in the face of adversity or uncertainty. "Taking courage" in the scriptural sense comes from God and is not merely human bravery that we muster on our own strength without God. Instead, "Taking courage" points to divine assurance and peace that comes from faith in God (Ref. 1).
Bible translations frequently translate the Greek word for "take courage" [tharseó, pronounced thar-SEH-o] as "take heart," or "be of good cheer" (Ref. 1, Ref. 2 - John 16:33 example). Jesus' Examples of Speaking "Take Courage" to People
Next, let's look at five examples where Jesus spoke the words, "Take courage," to encourage his disciples and others.
1. "Take courage, son, your sins are forgiven"
Matthew 9:2 - "And they brought to Him a paralyzed man lying on a stretcher. And seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man who was paralyzed, 'Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.'"
Note that Jesus first forgave the paralytic's sins before Jesus healed the man physically (Matthew 9:2-8). The minds of Jesus' Jewish listeners connected sins being forgiven and physical diseases being healed as both being done by God (Psalm 103:2-3). Being forgiven by God for his sins was the first and main reason for the man to be encouraged. Before Jesus healed the paralytic, he forgave the man's sins. If you are in Christ, take courage, Jesus has forgiven your sins (Ephesians 1:7 KJV, 1 John 1:9). 2. "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well (literally, 'saved you')"
Matthew 9:22 - "But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, 'Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.' And at once the woman was made well."
The woman who came to Jesus had suffered 12 years from a hemorrhage (Matthew 9:20). She had said to herself, "If I only touch His cloak, I will get well" (Matthew 9:21). Mark tells us that as soon as she touched Jesus' garment, the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed (Mark 5:28-29). Jesus then kindly addressed her, not as a man to a woman, but as a father to a child. "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well" (Matthew 9:22). The woman's faith, which was a gift from God, was the channel by which she received healing and was made well by the Lord Jesus. Note the word that Jesus used for "made well." In Matthew 9:22 (and Mark 5:34) the word for "made well" is sózó (pronounced so'-zo). In the New Testament sózó means to save, to rescue, to deliver, to heal, and to preserve (Strong's Lexicon - Ref. 3). In Matthew 9:22, Jesus meant that she, who had been diseased for 12 years, was healed by her faith in him and made whole (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance - Ref. 3). We, too, can take courage. Through faith in Christ, which is God's gift to us (Ephesians 2:8), Jesus saves us, heals us, restores us, and makes us whole. 3. "Take courage, it is I"
Mark 6:49-50 - "But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought that it was a ghost, and they cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, 'Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.'"
Jesus' disciples were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee at night (Mark 6:45-51). The windstorm was against them. Jesus came to them walking on the water. Jesus' disciples were terrified, thinking that it was a ghost. Jesus said his famous, calming words to them, "Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50). Jesus then got into the boat with them. The wind stopped, and the disciples were astonished. For the believer in Jesus Christ, we have nothing to fear. We can take courage -- be encouraged -- because Jesus comes to be with us, to assure us in our storms, and to deliver us. 4. "Take courage, I have overcome the world"
John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
Note as Christians we simultaneously live "in Jesus" and also live "in the world." Jesus said that in him we have peace, and in the world, we have tribulation. The peace that Jesus gives us is complete peace of mind, welfare, and safety (Ref. 4, John 14:27). The world cannot take away this inner peace. However, because we also live in the not-so-peaceful world, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ today experience tribulation -- severe stress, suffering, and persecution (Ref. 5) -- because of their faith in Christ. Into the world in which we live, Jesus steps in and says, "Take courage, I have overcome the world." Through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection from the dead, Jesus has won the victory over death and power of evil. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we too, overcome the world. "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith" (1 John 5:4). 5. "Take courage, ... you must witness at Rome also"
Acts 23:11 - "But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, 'Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.'"
The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the Apostle Paul and stood at his side when Paul was in "protective custody" in Jerusalem (Acts 23:1-10). The Lord commended Paul for how he had witnessed for the Lord in Jerusalem (Acts 23:11). Then the Lord encouraged Paul. Jesus encouraged Paul by telling Paul the next phase of his mission assignment - to witness for Christ in Rome. When the Lord gives us a fresh update on our life's mission assignment, that gives us courage. It encourages us because we know, like Paul, that the Lord will help us live that long so we can complete what he has assigned us to do. And, we know that the Lord will be with us to help us when we encounter obstacles. Summary - Principles in this Lesson
1. Courage comes from God. "Taking courage" means to be divinely assured and strengthened from God in the face of adversity or uncertainty (Ref. 1).
2. As believers in Jesus Christ, we can take courage because: a. Jesus has forgiven our sins (Matthew 9:2, Ephesians 1:7 KJV, 1 John 1:9) b. Jesus saves, heals, and restores us (Matthew 9:22) c. Jesus is with us in the midst of our storms (Mark 6:49-50) d. Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33, 1 John 5:4) e. Jesus stands next to us to help us accomplish the mission he assigns us to do and to help us overcome obstacles (Acts 23:11)
Apply. Go in the peace of Christ. Go, knowing that Jesus is with you. Jesus will give you the courage and strength to face adversity and obstacles as you trust him and serve him in the world.
Related Lessons
"The Authority of Jesus" - Matthew 28:18 "The Peace of Christ - Colossians 3:15 Meaning" "15 Bible Verses About Courage"
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Image source - Arabs for Christ at FreeBibleImages.org - Used under license  "And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.'" (John 8:11)
"A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice." (Isaiah 42:3)
"A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory." (Matthew 12:20)
This lesson explains the meaning of the three phrases from Isaiah 42:3 -- "A bruised reed he will not break," "A faintly burning wick he will not quench," and "He will bring forth justice" which Matthew quoted in Matthew 12:20.
Consider. Are you a "bruised reed" (emotionally, spiritually, physically) needing the mending of Jesus? Come to him. Jesus specializes in mending broken lives.
The Bible verse quotations in this lesson are taken from the English Standard version (ESV) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
1. "A bruised reed he will not break"
Jesus, our Savior, mends broken lives. Instead of "breaking" (or discarding) people who are weak morally, physically, or spiritually, Jesus strengthens them and binds them up (Ref. 2). Instead of dealing roughly with us when we come to him in our weakness, Jesus is tender and uses all gentleness and kindness toward us.
Example
Consider the account of the woman caught in adultery (the "bruised reed" in this example). The scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus seeking to stone her to death (John 8:1-11). Jesus made the woman's accusers realize their own sinful condition, and the scribes and Pharisees left the scene without casting a stone at the woman (John 8:5-9). Then, without condemning her or further "breaking" her, Jesus spoke with her tenderly as follows. "'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more'" (John 8:10-11).
Biblical Background
The prophet Isaiah, writing several hundred years before Christ, prophesied about the Servant who was to come (Isaiah 42:1-4). In Isaiah 42:1, God says "I have put my Spirit upon him." This prophecy was fulfilled at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:16-17). In Isaiah 42:3, the prophet says, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice."
Matthew, the disciple of Jesus and the gospel writer, witnessed Jesus and his ministry. In Matthew 12:17, Matthew observed that Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy in Isaiah 42:1-4. In Matthew 12:18-21, Matthew quotes (and in places paraphrases) Isaiah 42:1-4. When Matthew stated in Matthew 12:17 that Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, Matthew had just witnessed Jesus healing and restoring the man with the withered right hand (Matthew 12:9-14, Luke 6:6-11). That man also was an example of a "bruised reed" that Jesus restored. After Jesus healed him, the man, who likely was a mason or plasterer by trade, could return to working with his hands again for a living instead of begging bread (Ref. 3, Ref. 4). Matthew also had observed that multitudes of people -- including Gentiles (non-Jews) -- came to Jesus, and Jesus healed them all (Matthew 12:15, Mark 3:7-8). Jesus' ministry of healing and restoring "bruised reeds" then and today was and is for all people. That is good news. Biblical Meaning of "Bruised Reed" Reeds on the Side of the Jordan River Flowing into the Sea of Galilee - iStock Photo - Used under license
Reeds are leafy cane plants that grow in watery or marshy areas. (See the picture of reeds near the Jordan river) (Ref. 5). However, scripture refers to reeds as fragile, weak, easily waved by the wind, easily broken, and unreliable when used as a staff (2 Kings 18:21, Matthew 11:7).
In Isaiah 42:3 the Hebrew word translated as "bruised" means broken or crushed but not entirely broken off (Ref. 6, Ref. 7). Thus, the words, "bruised reed," refer to a person who has been crushed or broken down by a sense of sin, by calamity, or by affliction (Ref. 7).
Good news
The good news is that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, does not break, consider useless, or discard people who are "bruised" emotionally, spiritually, or physically (Matthew 12:20). Instead, Jesus forgives our sins, tenderly binds up our wounds, and cares for us. Consider the multitudes of people who came to Jesus. The scripture says, "And many followed him, and he healed them all" (Matthew 12:15).
Similar verses
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3) 2. "A faintly burning wick he will not quench"
When Jesus encounters people whose faith has dimmed or who have lost hope because of the hard knocks of life, Jesus does not ignore, discard, or "extinguish" us. Jesus nourishes the feeble flame, and rekindles our faith so his light in us shines brightly again.
Example
Consider the example of the man whose son had an unclean spirit which made his son mute, seized him, and threw him down in convulsions (Mark 9:14-29). The man is an example of a "smoldering wick" whose faith was dimming from the long-term afflictions of his son. The boy's father explained to Jesus that he had brought his son to Jesus' disciples, and they were not able to cast out the unclean spirit (Mark 9:18). That must have been terribly disappointing. Jesus asked that the boy be brought to him (Mark 9:19). When the boy was brought to Jesus, the unclean spirit -- seeing Jesus -- immediately threw the boy into convulsions (Mark 9:20).
The man's despair and weak faith is evident in the next verses. Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us" (Mark 9:21-22). "And Jesus said to him, 'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes'" (Mark 9:23). "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24). Note that the man cried out to Jesus in his despair and asked Jesus to help him believe. Jesus answered the man's plea. Jesus rekindled the faith of this man who was a "faintly burning wick." Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man's son, and the boy arose -- healed (Mark 9:25, 27). A smoldering wick (or smoking flax) Close-up of a smoldering wick - Alamy photo - Used under license
A smoldering or faintly burning wick of a lamp is just barely burning before the fuel runs out (Matthew 25:8). The King James Version in both Isaiah 42:3 (KJV) and Matthew 12:20 (KJV) refers to the faintly burning or smoldering wick as "smoking flax." In ancient lamps, the wick was a few strands of flax fiber or twisted cotton thread (Ref. 8).
The Good News
Jesus does not give up on us or chastise us when our faith becomes weak because of the calamities of life. Jesus cherishes the feeble flame, ministers to us the "oil" of grace, and through the Holy Spirit, rekindles our faith in him.
Example verses
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16).
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) 3. "He will faithfully bring forth justice"
Jesus, the Servant prophesied by Isaiah, brought forth [proclaimed], and through his followers today still proclaims the Gospel truth -- God's good news of salvation through faith in Christ -- to all people (Isaiah 42:1, Matthew 12:18, Ref. 9). In Isaiah 42:3, the justice [judgment] that the Servant would bring forth refers to the entire system of God's truth (Psalm 19:9-10 NASB, Psalm 119:160 NASB, Ref. 10, Ref. 11).
Note that Isaiah prophesied that the Servant would spread justice [God's system of truth] not just to the Jewish people, but to the "nations" [all races, all people] (Isaiah 42:1, Matthew 12:17-18, Ref. 11, Ref. 12). Through Christ, the Christian gospel -- God's truth -- is being preached and taught by Jesus' followers throughout the world today (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16).
Apply. Are you a "bruised reed" (morally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually weak) needing the mending of Jesus? Come to Jesus now. In prayer, tell him your needs. Jesus will forgive your sins, and he will mend your broken life.
Are you a "faintly burning wick" with faith or hope that is nearly extinguished by affliction or by the calamities of life? Put your faith and trust in Jesus again. Jesus will supply the "oil" of his grace to rekindle your faith into a bright flame that will shine and bless others.
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/ 2. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/isaiah/42.htm Matthew Poole's Commentary - Isaiah 42:3 3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healing_the_man_with_a_withered_hand 4. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/matthew/12.htm Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible - Matthew 12:10 5. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7070.htm 6. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7533.htm 7. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/isaiah/42.htm Barnes' Notes on the Bible - Isaiah 42:3 8. https://www.gotquestions.org/smoking-flax-not-quench.html 9. https://biblehub.com/greek/518.htm Note, the Greek word for "proclaim" in Matthew 12:18 10. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/4941.htm 11. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/matthew/12.htm Barnes' Notes on the Bible - Matthew 12:18 12. https://biblehub.com/greek/1484.htm |
Daily Bible Verse(Published on my Bluesky account) AuthorMr. Whitney V. Myers. Christian. For more information, please visit the Author Page. Posting ScheduleI plan to provide new postings about once a month. Planned Topics(subject to change) Recent Posts(most recent three months) Popular Posts(top 10) Categories
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