Matthew 9:36

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

God’s people are weary and scattered. The literal word used in the original text for weary denotes harassment. God’s people are harassed to the point of becoming weary and scattered. Their minds are not focused. Their lives are fragmented and broken and exploited. It was in this context that Jesus said that the harvest is plentiful and laborers are needed. The critical issue is that the multitudes who follow and want to follow God are really oppressed and overwhelmed by the scourge of Satan and evil, including evil exploitative leaders.

The sheep need shepherds, but the shepherds must be laborers who serve the sheep. The shepherds must not be executive leaders who take advantage of the sheep, but laborers who have compassion on the sheep and are committed to free the sheep from the harassments of Satan. True shepherds are very compassionate. They feel the pain of the sheep. They identify with the sheep. They are willing to sacrifice anything for the sheep. They labor on the sheep to keep them from being scattered from the sheepfold. Where are God’s faithful shepherds? Don’t wait for an ordination from man. Be the shepherd for those around you. Be the laborer who labors on Jesus’ sheep. Jesus lives in us; let’s go in His name and by His power to help God’s harassed people. Amen.

“Lord, in Your name, I commit to serve my brethren around me. I shall not be silent while they are exploited, harassed and scattered. Use me, Jesus. Give me the heart of compassion and that of a laboring shepherd.  In Your name, I pray. Amen.”