And His Name Will Be the Hope of the Worldಮಾದರಿ

"And his name will be the hope of all the world."– Matthew 12:21 (NLT)

This phrase comes from Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 42:1-4. In Isaiah 41, false gods are described — some that even impressed Israel. In contrast, God presents His Servant. The theme of justice stands out: the word appears three times in Isaiah’s passage and twice in Matthew’s quotation.

Why did so many Jewish leaders struggle to understand Jesus? Because He was nothing like the leader they imagined would bring justice. Yet the nations (Gentiles) — called “the world” (NLT), “nations” (NIV) and “coastlands” (NASB) — would put their hope in Him.

He will never cry out or raise His voice. He will not break a bruised reed. He will not extinguish a smouldering wick. And still — He will bring forth justice. That is why He will become the Hope of the world.

The apostle John writes in John 1:11-12:

• Though the world was made through Him, it did not recognise Him (v. 11).
• He came to His own people (Israel), and they did not receive Him (v. 11).
• But to all who received Him and believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God (v. 12).

Jesus’ style of service was unique. He had the Truth — He was the Truth — yet He never forced it. His heart was drawn to the broken and crushed, described as bruised reeds and smouldering wicks, because they were the ones who faced the deepest injustices.

Why would anyone break what is already bruised? Why extinguish what is already dying? Yet that is how the world often operates: the powerful grow more powerful, and the rich grow richer. The world offers no hope for the weak. But Jesus reaches out to such people — then and now.

Such people put their hope in Jesus; if He does not hear them, they have nowhere else to go.

This is the very heart of His mission. In His manifesto (Luke 4:18-19), Jesus declared that He came for the poor, the prisoners, the blind and the oppressed. Why else would He stop a great sermon for one adulterous woman? Why disrupt a feast to honour a sinful woman weeping at His feet? Why leave 99 sheep in the open country to seek one lost sheep? Why risk the scorn of an entire city to dine with a tax collector? Because "the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” – Luke 19:10 (NIV).

The lost love Him, because He is their only Hope.

This Christmas, whatever bruises you carry, whatever dim light remains in your soul — bring it to Him. The One born in Bethlehem is still the Hope of the world. And He is your hope too.

• What does today’s Scripture reveal about God’s character?
• What practical step can I take today to apply this truth?

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the gentle Servant who brings hope to the nations. Teach me to follow Your example of quiet strength and deep compassion. Help me to trust You with my bruises and brokenness, and to share Your hope with those who need it most. Amen

Written by OM board member Moses.