Lost Sheep

Matthew 9:36  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Sheep are odd animals. They are not real smart, they need to be led and protected. In the Bible we are often referred to as sheep, and I am not sure it is a compliment.

In today’s verse Jesus is out preaching and the crowds begin to follow him. Something about the crowd touches Jesus and it moved him to compassion. The dictionary defines compassion as “the ability  to empathize with someone who is suffering and to feel compelled to reduce the suffering.”

Compelled. Driven. “I have to do something about this.” This perfectly sums up Jesus: He was compelled to end our suffering. And he still is. Without Jesus we are sheep without a shepherd. We are lost, wandering, and hoping for help.

There are a lot of people who feel the pain of other people, but they can’t do anything to help.

There are a lot of people who could help, but don’t give a rip about other people’s suffering.

Then there is Jesus, who cares about us, and can help us. All we have to do is put our trust in him. Yet, there are some who will not, no matter how much they suffer. G.K. Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”

Don’t let your fear get in the way of God’s healing, peace, and love. Give the Christian life a shot. If you try Christ and your new life doesn’t offer everything he promises, you can have your old life back! God is ready for you to give him a try. You’ve tried everything else, it’s time to give him a shot.

Today’s Readings:  1 Samuel 25,26; Psalm 63;  Matthew 9