Matthew 9:35-37 [AMPC]
35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and every weakness and infirmity.
36 When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.
37 Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few."
Sharing some thoughts:
I grew up with the King James Version of the Bible so the newer modern English translations offer not only more common language to us, without the thee's and thou's, but many also enhance our understanding of all the facets of God's goodness.
I find it interesting that the Amplified Classic translates compassion, here, as pity. Jesus healed and cured all kinds of diseases, and every weakness and infirmity. He took care of those who were bewildered, harassed, distressed, dejected, helpless, and without guidance. Things haven't changed much in the human condition, have they?
Jesus asks us to do the same, as laborers in His Kingdom. He asks us to be about our Father's business, going about proclaiming the good news that the Kingdom of God is here, just as Jesus did.
Through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit in believers, Jesus our Shepherd, empowers us to greatness, and to do greater works than He did while He was here in the earth. Imagine for a moment if Jesus had modern transportation or the internet available to Him in His ministry! So, yes, today we can do greater things, in these ways alone, because we have greater technologies available to us.
The more believers, the more territory we claim for the Kingdom, and the more territory of darkness is extinguished by His Light. Jesus expects us to follow His example and teach it wherever we have opportunity, in ways that are helpful. Friend Evangelism is the most sustained type of evangelism, in my opinion, because a sheep tells another sheep where the food is with or without a shepherd. The Pastoral care of a Shepherd, however, keeps the sheep feeling safe, secure, loved and valued, and of course, well fed.
Jesus takes care of all our needs, according to these Scriptures, and I pray you will know His infinite love and desire to Shepherd you, if you do not know it first-hand already. May God bless your walk with Him today.
Comments