“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:35-36 (ESV)
When you observe the world, what do you see? Perhaps you see failed policies that have been unfair to one group and favored another. Perhaps you see long-term injustices affecting others, may even yourself. Perhaps you see harshness and callousness among many. Perhaps you see no accountability for poor decisions by people with laws and rules being flouted. Perhaps you see grave illness and physical suffering. Perhaps you see a lack of respect for things which were once held in high regard. Perhaps you see hopelessness. Perhaps you are fortunate and see a bright future ahead that is full of promise for many including yourself. Perhaps you see all of the above. Perhaps you are simply confused and do not know how to interpret all that you see.
Based upon Matthew 9:36, it is safe to say the Lord saw the same kinds of life experiences described above. How did Jesus react?
“…he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Dear reader, do you see what Jesus did? He took action but not the type of action we take. We take action in the ways that are available to us. Yes, we may teach and do what we can to alleviate suffering, sickness, and afflictions in line with Jesus’ actions. We take action to alleviate the effects of life in this world that we feel need to change. We take actions that are consistent with our earthly agenda. Our actions may even be motivated by a form of compassion for those suffering pain and enduring wrongdoing. Sadly, the best our efforts can achieve is some earthly change, but it does not address our greatest peril and need.
What kind of action did the dear Lord take? Jesus had true and perfect compassion. He healed., and he taught. These are good things in themselves, for sure, but is that all Jesus did in compassion? No…Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom of God! Dear reader, the compassion of Jesus Christ included earthly good deeds, but His greatest act of compassion targets our greatest, eternal need. Jesus’ agenda was one of mercy, compassion towards sinners like you and me. Jesus sees mankind as mankind truly is. Jesus sees mankind as lost. Yes, that’s right…lost. Jesus did not see the crowd as a group of social justice causes that needed His divine support to succeed. He did not see them in need of improved government safety nets, in need of more income, in need of more opportunities, or in need of a level playing field. Again, these needs are significant from an earthly view point. However, the Gospel is Good News for sinners that a Savior has come to rescue them from their lostness for eternity, and that Savior is Jesus Christ the Lord.
Notice how Matthew describes the poor lost souls of this world like you and me: “sheep without a shepherd.” “Sheep” is a common figure of speech used in the Bible to describe mankind. Sheep are easily taken by predators. Sheep are defenseless and easily overtaken. Sheep need caring and protection because they are wayward, easily prone to lostness. Sheep need guidance, discipline, and provision of every kind by a caring and wise shepherd. That is how God sees the people of the world, dear reader.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53:6 (ESV)
Admit it, your natural thoughts are to go your own way, to want you own way, and to have your life your own way…Not God’s way. Ah, therein is the utter depth of our lostness, is it not? We are not merely lost from confusion or honest error. You and I willingly choose the paths of rebellion against God and stand in great peril of facing God for our sins on our own without the salvation found in Jesus Christ alone.
Yet, our lostness is not beyond hope or repair. Dear reader, note the true compassion of the Lord. In pity, mercy, and love, He saves lost sheep like you and me. He took the penalty for the sin of His own sheep upon Himself. Lost sheep like you and me have never had so great a Shepherd calling us to Himself as Jesus Christ, and He is ours through faith in His death and resurrection for sinners like you and me.
Why stray like a lost sheep any longer? Turn to Jesus Christ in faith and repentance. Now that you know how God views you and me, why delay further? Turn to the Good Shepherd, to the One Who stands ready to have compassion upon your soul, to forgive your sins, and to provide you with His own righteousness and eternal life. Jesus Christ leads His sheep with love, compassion, and goodness. Turn to Him, and be led to blessed, eternal pastures by Him and with Him.
May Your Eyes Be Opened To Your Need of Christ,
Eric Conner
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