March 24: Sheep with No Shepherd

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Mark 6:6b-11

Matthew 9:35-10:42

Luke 9:1-5

Herod Has John the Baptist Beheaded

Mark 6:14-29

Matthew 14:1-12

Luke 9:7-9

The Disciples Preach Repentance

Mark 6:12-13

Luke 9:6

Matthew 9:35 is an interesting verse in that it gives us a very brief synopsis of Jesus’ day-to-day activities. Though most reading this blog would say they were busy (and rightfully so), none are as busy as Jesus was. What is of interest is that the Gospel writers often give so much detail to just one event or sermon and then offer to us a verse like this one that literally crams days and weeks of activity into just one sentence. Consider all that Jesus did in fulfilling his daily duties.

1) Travelling. The Jewish historian Josephus’ records show 240 towns and villages in the district where Jesus would have been travelling and ministering, with the larger cities populated by more than 15,000 people. It is exhausting to even think about how busy Jesus must have been travelling amongst those towns and villages.

2) Teaching. Afternoon sessions at the synagogues were more like Bible classes, with those present asking and answering questions. No doubt Jesus would have always taken his rightful place as the teacher in these synagogue gatherings.

3) Preaching. Morning synagogue sessions were different than the afternoon sessions. There would have been a sermon offered that would have included an exposition on a particular passage of Scripture. Between just the teaching and preaching alone, Jesus was certainly very busy. And to do both of these things well requires much physical and spiritual effort.

4) Healing. Though people were impressed with his words, they were more impressed with his actions – namely, with his supernaturally delivering those who were sick and afflicted.

But as busy as Jesus was with travelling, teaching, preaching, and healing, he was not so distracted that he wasn’t able to recognize the needs of the helpless and harassed. Verse 36 tells us that when he saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion. I’m certain his reputation as the Healer brought out many who were in need of that healing. But notice how Matthew describes the crowds: they were “like sheep without a shepherd.” This doesn’t seem to be a description of people needing healing but more like a description of people needing a leader, a protector, one to take care of them.

This is important for us to remember as we continue to explore what the FULLER LIFE means for us. Remember, it was in the context of Jesus’ being the Good Shepherd that he told us he came that we could have life and have it to the full. Are you like the crowds of Galilee? Are you wondering, alone, without the protection, care, and direction of the Good Shepherd? If so, he longs to bring you into his fold and give to you a FULLER LIFE in him.