Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The size of the harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest.” [Matthew 9:36-38 CEB]
I can hardly imagine what it must have been like to see so many being miraculously healed.
That said, it is hard to envision the desperation of the crowds coming to Jesus.
Troubled and helpless many came, and kept coming, to the Lord for help and healing.
Interesting that he did not shout to them and heal them all with a few words of healing.
Christ met people intentionally and individually as they came for help.
The personal nature of his ministry is an example to us of what compassion looks like.
The passage tells us that Jesus saw multitudes of sheep needing a shepherd.
He saw a large spiritual harvest in needed of spiritual farmers to care for the crops.
He sees all of this and his heart breaks for people in need. His response is compassion.
In this age of preachers and teachers, I love the imagery of farmers and shepherds.
The work of each seems so personal, caring and down to earth.
Shepherds actually know their sheep and farmers care individually for what they plant.
So I think it is with genuine spiritual leaders.
These have a heart for individuals and spend time with people they lead.
Their followers know that they are loved.
Please have compassion Lord. Please send out authentic spiritual shepherds and farmers to care for wounded sheep and bruised crops. Please raise up spiritual laborers.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
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