Jesus was often surrounded by crowds everywhere He went except when He withdrew to lonely places to pray.
I was reading in the book of Matthew and a few words in the Message version caught my eye.
"Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”
In Matthew 9, Jesus looked out over the crowds of people and His heart broke. He saw that they were helpless, fearful, weary, worn out, confused, and aimless.
Aimless is defined as: without purpose or direction. How many years did I spend wandering without purpose or direction like a sheep without a shepherd. My wandering ended when my Shepherd sought me and saved me. Now, because of Jesus, I am no longer aimless. He gives me purpose and direction. He gives me life. He is the way, the truth, and the life!
The desperation of the crowd didn't turn Jesus away or overwhelm Him. Jesus looked out over this needy and helpless multitude with compassion and zeal because He possessed what they needed. He knew their greatest need was Himself.
Jesus' heart continues to go out to the crowds today. I love that He doesn't respond in despair and say to His disciples "this is hopeless, how in the world can we help this crowd of needy people?" No, instead He smiles excitedly and says "what a huge harvest!" We may see hopelessness, but He sees a harvest!
Jesus saw greatness and purpose in those who were wandering without purpose or direction. He didn’t see a lost cause or hopeless case. He saw an amazing open door for healing, deliverance, and salvation!
Now, we too can look around with compassion and zeal knowing we possess what the crowds need: Jesus Christ. Let's get on our knees and pray for harvest hands. Indeed, the crowds of lost and weary sheep are seeking something real, something genuine. They are seeking purpose and direction. Jesus is the answer. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Jesus is the remedy for aimless living.
