March 14

Text: Matthew 9:36-38

And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.  Then He *said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." (NASB)

How often are you reminded that other people do not “see” what you “see?”  

Three things leap out in today’s text.  First, Jesus felt compassion for people who many would disregard or use.  Why?  (a) They were distressed.  Physically, things were terrible.  (2) They were downcast.  They had no hope.  They could not see things improving.  (3)  They had no leadership.  Those who tried to lead led them in the wrong direction.  The people were like sheep without a shepherd.  Sheep must have a knowledgeable leader!  Without a leader who understands where to go, sheep are helpless victims!

Second, Jesus’ disciples did not “see” what he “saw.”  Jesus felt compassion—Matthew does not say what the disciples felt.  The statement is based on what esJesus saw and felt, not on what the disciples saw and felt.  Jesus saw opportunity.  Wonder if all the disciples saw were problems?

Third, in specific ways, God is involved in responding to human need and in supplying people to work.  Faith in that fact was part of the solution.  Have the faith to allow God to be more involved in the need.  This is not a “God do it” attitude, but an attitude that says, “God, help us as your people to ‘see’ what Jesus ‘sees’ so You can be more active in all who belong to You.”

It all begins with three things.  First, you learn to “see” what Jesus “sees.”  Second, you place your faith in what Jesus “sees.”  Third, your confidence lies in God’s involvement.

We tend to think that temporary solutions are permanent, and permanent solutions are temporary.  We forget that without God’s involvement, everything is temporary.

Suggestion for reflection: Consider how much of what you “see” is what Jesus “sees.”  (Read 2 Kings 6:15-23.)