Image source: JacobAbshire
Matthew 9:35-36 (Easy-to-Read Bible) says: “Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues and told people the Good News about God’s kingdom. He healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. 36 Jesus saw the many people and felt sorry for them because they were worried and helpless – like sheep without a shepherd to lead them.”
Israel during the time of Jesus, was under Roman colonialism, the Roman governor of Israel was there to serve Rome and not to serve the local people. The local jewish political, business, and religious leaders cared more about themselves and their personal wealth, than about the people. This failure of political, business, and religious leadership in Israel to care for the people left them helpless.
It is in this situation that Jesus says to the people in Matthew 11:28-29 (Easy-to-Read Bible): “Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.”
Many in our world today are “worried and helpless”; many in countries where the leaders care more about their personal interests than about the people are “like sheep without a shephered to lead them”. The Jesus solution remains the same – “come to me”, “learn from me”, “and you will be able to get some rest”.
Like King David said in Psalm 23, when the Lord is your shepherd, he will lead you to green pastures and calm waters; may this be your experience in Jesus name, Amen!
Jesus, our redeemer, healing the world... 