October 7, 2026
Today's Reading: Matthew 9:18-38
Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 6:10-25; Matthew 9:18-38
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
A woman suffering for twelve years from a horrible disease, a dead daughter, two blind men crying out for mercy, a demon-possessed man who could not speak – all healed by Jesus. With just a word and with just a touch, those who suffered incurably were made whole. Just another day in the life and ministry of Jesus as he traveled from city to village, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the gospel, healing every diseased and afflicted person that was brought to him. No wonder there were always crowds around him, hungering for spiritual food and longing for a healing touch.
Gut-wrenched! Deeply moved with visceral emotion! These words best describe the compassion Jesus had when he saw the crowds gathered around him. Why the agonizing reaction? When Jesus’ eyes looked on the crowds, he saw much more than just their physical needs. They were beaten up and beaten down with no one to defend or care for them. Harassed – being bullied by sin and the Devil. Helpless – being thrown away and dejected with no hope. The Good Shepherd was deeply moved to see sheep in need of a shepherd who did not have one.
“I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep…declares the Lord God” (Ezekiel 34:15). Our God is not a spectator watching us from the sidelines. No, he gets down in the mud with us. He becomes one of us, so that he may be our shepherd. God’s compassion always moves him to action. For the harassed, Jesus comes with good news of a future life free from the effects of a fallen world. For the helpless, Jesus brings words of hope: God has made the impossible possible. An incurable disease? Helplessly blind? Death? The harassing Devil? No problem. Jesus has come to overcome them all. Your sin? Your guilt? Your shame? No problem, Jesus has dealt with them all.
The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. That’s exactly what Jesus did for you. He was harassed, bullied, and beaten. He chose to be helpless as he was nailed to a cross and ridiculed for being unable to come down from it. Jesus was so moved with compassion over you, and all who are harassed and helpless against their sin, that it killed him. He took your disease, he took your death, he conquered your grave, so you may live under the care of his loving compassion. He will keep you. He will keep your life. He will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore (Psalm 121).
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Heavenly Father, strengthen me to live this day trusting in your unfailing promises and love for me, all for the sake of Jesus, my Good Shepherd. Amen.
Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.
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