Matthew: Healing in His PresenceSample

Jesus has Compassion on the Crowds

Are you feeling harassed and helpless as you seek Jesus for healing? The crowd in this story felt the same way. They came in droves to have an encounter with Jesus, hoping He could take away their diseases, cure their troubled minds, and lead them on a path of peace, joy and wellness. These people felt like sheep without a shepherd - but they had no clue the Good Shepherd was in their midst.

Let's think about sheep for a minute. They are animals that are dependent, vulnerable and can easily wander off and get into trouble. Many times, they don't even know what's best for them. They can easily get scared and feel alone if they lose sight of their shepherd. Sound familiar?

We get a great look at Jesus as our Good Shepherd in Psalm 23. As the Shepherd, He does the following for you:

• Provides for you so you lack nothing
• Makes you lie down and rest
• Leads you beside still waters (what's good for you, even if you may not see it that way)
• Refreshes your soul
• Guides you along the right paths of life, for His name's sake
• Walks with you through the darkest valley
• Is your constant companion
• He protects you with His rod and staff

Jesus saw these heavily burdened people like sheep without Him. He had compassion on them, just like He does for you. He sees not only your physical ailments, but what also burdens your heart and soul. Take some time today to really picture Jesus as your Shepherd. Memorize Psalm 23, if you haven't already, and spend time thinking of how you can allow him to be your Good Shepherd.

Questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you feel like a sheep without a shepherd - vulnerable, unsure, or wandering - and how might you invite Jesus to lead you there?

2. Which promise from Psalm 23 do you most need to hold onto right now, and why?

3. If you truly believed Jesus was walking right beside you as your Good Shepherd, how would it change the way you face today’s challenges?