Confused and Helpless

“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So, pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:35-38 NLT

Jesus was “out in the field” traveling, helping, teaching, and healing. He was sharing the amazing news with everyone that God’s Kingdom has come to them now.

Reflection

On our own, we are confused and helpless. We don’t like to be viewed or described that way.

We like a description more like this: We are powerful. We are accomplished. We are wise. We have the answers. We have the resources. We know what’s best for ourselves and others.

Jesus sees beyond our devotion to ourselves to deeper truths about us:

• He is filled with compassion for us.
• We are like a sheep without a shepherd.
• Confusion describes our current state.
• There is a helplessness to really address what is going on individually and collectively in our lives.

Jesus also recognizes he needs more people to join him, inviting people to embrace the Kingdom of God through Him.

• The opportunity to do this is everywhere around the world.
• There is so much need.
• The territory to cover is vast.
• More people are needed in the field of life to share the good news of Christ.
• Make this need for more help a matter of prayer with God.

Encouragement

When we come to Christ, our view of humanity changes for the better. We move away from the constant judging, condemnation, and criticism of others. We grow in being filled with the compassion of Christ. Love grows for all of humanity, from our neighbor to the people we have never met halfway around the world. As Christ meets our deepest needs, he invites us to consider others who would receive help from knowing, believing, and following him.

In the Kingdom of God, we are invited to bring our helplessness and confusion to the one who is the source of forgiveness, compassion, truth, wisdom, grace, mercy, peace, healing, restoration, hope, and joy. As we pray to God to make this known to others, don’t be surprised if he says to you, “Would you share this truth in the fields of life where you live?” Let your heart and mind be filled with the compassion of Christ.

If you are willing for a little challenge, ask Christ this: “Please let me see humanity, the people I meet today, as you do.” Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to live, breathe, and share the wonderful news of the Kingdom of God, so that He may sort out the confusion and helplessness in us that we know all too well. Invite people to consider Christ.

For those in positions of leadership and influence, how might you better align your leadership culture with the compassionate need Christ sees?

Ed McDowell, CEO
Warm Beach Camp Ministries