“When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36) People watching is always an interesting way to pass the time, whether it’s the people in a big international airport, or the people in the middle of the big cities, but lately, the above Scripture has come to mind repeatedly. So many people are weary and depressed, with eyes that look dead and hopeless. They are truly harassed and helpless, sheep wandering without the Good Shepherd to comfort them and guide them. There’s nothing more helpless! His compassion reached beyond the reasons they were in this state. He never questioned if it was their own bad choices that got them there, or by circumstances out of their control, like the oppression of government leaders and taxation… He saw beyond it all to their heart and soul; He saw them, and had compassion. “Jesus said, ‘Come unto Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’” (Matthew 11:28). There is no true rest apart from Christ. There is distraction and detachment, but only He can give us real, lasting hope that all will be well from now into eternity. His heart so deeply longs to share this message of Life, that He will leave the ninety-nine safe sheep and go look for the one that is lost (Matthew 18:12). Each individual lost soul matters to Him. It may be worthless to our world’s leaders, but it’s precious to Him - so precious that He laid down His life for His sheep. He has fought and conquered death, hell and the grave in order that He may provide for us Life and Hope. May we also be moved with compassion for the lost. There is a Good Shepherd that loves and cares for every single person. May we make His love known to a world without hope.
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