MATTHEW 9

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

COMPASSION LEADS TO ACTION

Jesus was always surrounded by large crowds. People followed Him. Some had come for healing. Some were interested in what He had to say, and a few were intent in truly following him.

What was the reaction of Jesus to these large crowds? Maybe He saw them as an irritation. After all, He couldn’t move sometimes for the crush and they gave Him no time to rest.

NO, Despite all of this, His reaction was one of Compassion.

How do we look on people?

To say that there are a lot of people in China is an understatement. But we have to have the same compassionate attitude that Jesus had towards them. It has been reckoned that at least 150,000 people die every day. Most of them go to a Christ-less eternity.

Looking on people with compassion and seeing them is only half the story, if we are just sorry for them, then that doesn’t mean anything.

First, it should make us aware of the harvest and the harvest field. You know that there is a great task that we have to do which is sharing the gospel and reaching the world with the message of Grace.

Second, we need to be aware of the need. Where is the greatest need for labourers? Which people groups need reaching? Which religions outside of Christianity are the least reached?

Third, we have to pray that God will touch people to go into the harvest field. Perhaps you can’t go. Maybe you are like my friend who has five children, now she can’t go as she has her own mission field.

Finally, you have to go and share in your Jerusalem, in your Judea or Samaria or in the uttermost parts of the earth.

You say that you have compassion for people. You can say, “isn’t it terrible, they don’t know about Jesus.” But what are you doing about it?

Look on people who are without Jesus in the way Jesus did. Let your compassion must move you to action.

God bless you