When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” vs. 36
Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus had been overwhelmed by the crowds that he encountered as he began his ministry in Galilee. Everywhere he went they flocked to hear his words and be touched by his healing hands, and his heart was filled with compassion. If we’ve ever wondered about our mission as his followers, there really can be no confusion. We continue to encounter harassed and helpless people in our communities–and in some ways conditions seem to be getting worse. On the one hand we see unbelievable prosperity, people building massive luxurious homes, driving expensive cars, and traveling all over the world on vacations. And for some of us these are the only people we ever encounter! But that’s not the whole picture. Millions of people live in refugee camps, thousands of the homeless congregate wherever they can avoid harassment, food banks can’t keep up with the numbers of malnourished and hungry folks even in rural areas. The hurting are harassed by red tape and punitive laws, manipulated and preyed upon by the powerful. Ignored and oppressed, they face poverty and ill health every day of their lives, and Jesus’ heart is breaking! Our mission field is white unto the harvest! What can be done? There are a myriad of solutions, and resources are plentiful, but too many are reluctant to share. Jesus calls us to be compassionate–and to act!
Thought for the Day: Why does there seem to be a dearth of compassion?
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