Mat 9:36 | MHM | STEP | v. 36 : When Jesus saw the crowds, he felt deep compassion for them. He noticed not just those who followed him, but all the people in the country. The land was full of people, and Jesus saw how many souls needed help. This was a sign of God's blessing on Abraham (Genesis 22:17 ). Jesus was moved with compassion, not just because people were sick or poor, but because they were spiritually lost. He saw that they were ignorant and careless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus is a compassionate friend to souls. He came from heaven to earth, and even to the cross, because he pitied lost people. The greatest misery is to be lost in sin, and Jesus cares most for those who care least for themselves. We should also have compassion for souls, just like Jesus. The people were faint and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd (1 Kings 22:17 ). They were tired, confused, and had no one to guide them. The religious leaders gave them empty teachings and heavy rules, but did not really help them understand God's law. Without real spiritual food, people become weak and lost. Sheep are helpless when they go astray, and sinful people are the same. The leaders pretended to be shepherds, but they did not truly care for the people. As it says, Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep (Jeremiah 23:1; Ezekiel 34:2 ). It is a sad thing when people have no good leaders to guide them in God's ways.

‏ Matthew 9:36

v. 36: When Jesus saw the crowds, he felt deep compassion for them. He noticed not just those who followed him, but all the people in the country. The land was full of people, and Jesus saw how many souls needed help. This was a sign of God's blessing on Abraham (Genesis 22:17 ^a).

Jesus was moved with compassion, not just because people were sick or poor, but because they were spiritually lost. He saw that they were ignorant and careless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus is a compassionate friend to souls. He came from heaven to earth, and even to the cross, because he pitied lost people. The greatest misery is to be lost in sin, and Jesus cares most for those who care least for themselves. We should also have compassion for souls, just like Jesus.

The people were faint and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd (1 Kings 22:17 ^b). They were tired, confused, and had no one to guide them. The religious leaders gave them empty teachings and heavy rules, but did not really help them understand God's law. Without real spiritual food, people become weak and lost. Sheep are helpless when they go astray, and sinful people are the same. The leaders pretended to be shepherds, but they did not truly care for the people. As it says, Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep (Jeremiah 23:1; Ezekiel 34:2 ^c). It is a sad thing when people have no good leaders to guide them in God's ways.