Jesus will not break a crushed reed, and he will not extinguish a smoldering wick. Just wait; he will bring triumph from the trial. Matthew 12:20, Becky’s No-nonsense Paraphrase

Trials Teach Truth

Since my sister left this side of eternity, Matthew 12:20 often echoes in my mind. The idea of being battered but secure pulls me through heartbreak, but the “smoldering wick” description also holds true. I knew the first years would be difficult, but finding my way back to bright flame has been grueling. Sometimes I barely have energy to send out a smoke wisp. Maybe you can relate.

Mathew 12:20—which quotes a prophecy about Jesus from Isaiah—is comforting, but some Bible versions translate the last part of the verse “bring justice to victory.” If the first part of the verse shows the care Jesus provides for those in need of support, how does second half’s reference to justice and victory relate? The phrasing can cause confusion, partly because the English language doesn’t always adequately communicate the rich nuances of the original writing. 

To be clear, I’m not suggesting the Bible doesn’t mean what it says. Even in English, we interpret words based on context and use. For instance, in reference to romance, a friend, or chocolate, the meaning of the word love changes. Describing the Grand Canyon as awesome (because it fills the viewer with awe) isn’t the same as “this sweater is awesome” (indicating a preference).  

Trials Cause Difficulty

He will not break a crushed reed. The Greek word for reed can mean “rod,” but also references a writing instrument. I struggled to bring words into existence after losing my sister. My proverbial pen was steamrolled. Crushed. The inability to write terrified me. The Greek word used here for break is found three other places. Each references breaking the legs of a crucified individual—an act which removes the ability to keep breathing and hastens death. Literally, when we are battered and gasping for air, Jesus will not cut our legs out from under us. 

He will not extinguish a smoldering wick. Have you ever seen a candle flicker back into flame? Blown on a smoking tinder to spark a fire? As long as smoke appears, hope of a flame still exists. Tragedy may snuff our light to flameless burn and slow disintegration, but Jesus will never smother that last bit of heat. He will never leave us without hope of new light. 

Trials Prove Jesus Cares

Just wait, he will bring triumph from the trial. When I read the word “trial” as translated “justice,” I couldn’t quite figure out the connection with the rest of the verse. However, the Greek word here (transliterated “krisis”) references the law, in the sense of a trial. And we can easily see the connection to a word in English: crisis. The Greek word used for triumph, or victory, is used three other places (1 Cor 15:54, 55, 57) and describes Jesus’s victory over death. 

Jesus—like the greatest lawyer ever—fought to win. Whether we apply this to our spiritual situation or to a temporal tragedy, the promise remains. Until Jesus brings our crisis to a victorious end, he will not allow our last hope of survival to disappear. 

Trials Bring Connection

If you feel crushed by life’s circumstances, please know you’re not alone. Since losing my sister, I’ve connected with many others grieving loss. Community with others who understand grief helps. Reach out to someone or find a program like GriefShare.

Does regaining your previous light or abilities seem unreachable? Jesus will never leave you. Just wait. Jesus will bring you through the darkness. Focus on his strength. He will fight for you.