Jesus Sees our Situation

Text: Mt. 9:35-38

ETS: Jesus saw the crowd in their state of desperation, weariness, and distress.

ESS: Jesus sees our situation.

OSS: (MO:Supportive) [SO: I want the hearers to find comfort in knowing that Jesus sees their situation.]

PQ: What unclear realities are present beneath the surfaces of this text?

UW: realities

NOTICE: The ministry of Jesus summarized before transitioning to the ministry of the disciples. (v. 35) [Important because it will reappear]

“The crowds” refer to Israel. (v. 36)

in a state of weariness, lostness, and desperation- hungry for leadership and direction when their leaders have both politically and spiritually failed them. One source said, “Instead of shepherding the people of Israel with kindness and mercy, the Pharisees and the other religious leaders judge, intimidate, and bully the people into following rules and procedures not even found in the law of Moses. The people are helpless against these leaders, since their participation in the worship of God and life of the community is dependent on the approval of these men.” (Bibleref.com/Matthew/9/Matthew-9-36.html)

Notice how this made Jesus feel, though. He felt compassion for them. This word (σπλαγχνίζομαι) literally means feeling in the gut- causing a churning of the bowels: simply put- it caused Jesus to become sick to His stomach. He felt deeply for them.

APPLICATION: Jesus sees our situation. This leads me to the next reality:

“The harvest” refers to those yet rescued. (v. 37)

Harvest traditionally has referred to judgement implying to the Jewish hearers that the laborers being sent out were being sent to implement the coming judgment. Ironically, though, here, Jesus is sending out laborers to rescue people from the judgement (R.T. France, Tyndale NT Commentary 1985)

The reality is this: Yes, this absolutely refers to those lost and in a state of separation from God and desperation in their soul. However, this also, in context, suggests that there were those needing rescued from the leadership of the Pharisees.

APPLICATION: The harvest is still plentiful: there are still people who need to be saved- rescued from sin and, in some cases, rescued from a Pharisean (religious) mentality of living.

NOTICE: The simplicity of Jesus’ instruction: Pray to the Lord of the harvest with the purpose that He might send out workers into His harvest.

Conclusion:

(1) Israel was desperate because their leaders had failed them as shepherds. Caught up in legalism (the do’s and don’ts), they led them astray, and they were wandering. For too long, leaders today have been leading like this, even in our pulpits. “just do this…DON’T do this…you’re being a good Christian if you…” yet, we haven’t been led in evangelism and discipleship. My desire is to be an under shepherd leading under the authority of the Great Shepherd, equipping you, the church, to engage the lost and disciple them. Pray for me.

(2) Church, you may feel like the crowd: lost, desperate, and weary. You continually hear, “disciple the nations” and you truly want to, but you, in your heart, say, “I don’t know how.” Jesus sees your situation. You don’t need a degree in theology. You just need a dedication to disciple and a commitment to follow HIm. If i can help lead you in this, I’m here.

(3) Our prayer, following after Jesus’ instruction, should be simple: “Lord, you are the Lord of the harvest. Will you send out more workers? Will you start with me?”