Matthew 9:32-36

³² As they were going away, see, a demon-oppressed man who could not talk was brought to him.

³³ And after the demon had been cast out, the speechless man spoke. And the crowds were shocked, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.”

³⁴ But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

³⁵ And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. _________________________________________

his compassion for the abandoned

When Jesus saw needy people, he did not decide whether or not to help them based on how it would look. If he wanted to avoid criticism, he could have stayed away from the demonically oppressed. His critics were already saying that he uses Satan’s power. But when he saw someone in bondage, he wanted to give them freedom. He still does.

He saw the people in the crowds as victims of abuse and neglect. He could have shunned a great many of them, complaining that they have gotten themselves into trouble. Instead, he chose to be a redeemer. He chose to shepherd the sheep that others had thrown away. That is the kind of ministry he calls his church to.

LORD, give us your compassion for the troubled and abandoned all around us.