Matthew 9:35-38
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s transitional passage, Matthew summarizes Jesus’ ministry of the proclamation and demonstration of the Good News of God’s Kingdom. Read Matthew 9:35-38 remembering the ways we have seen Jesus heal and restore over the past several passages.
We have seen that Jesus is not interested in having people follow him because of his celebrity status, but news of his miraculous acts has drawn crowds around him anyway. Rather than being frustrated by this phenomenon when Jesus sees the crowds he reacts with compassion, because he sees beyond the excitement and clamor. Jesus knows that these people are “confused and helpless,” and his shepherd’s heart goes out to them.
It is good to be excited about Jesus and it is good to join with others to praise him for his great works, but if that is the extent of our relationship with Jesus we are missing something essential. Following Jesus means daily, moment-by-moment surrender to him so we can be his emissaries to bring the Good News of God’s Kingdom to a confused and helpless world.
Take some time right now to consider the nature of your relationship with Jesus. Talk to him openly about how much of your relationship revolves around praise-giving and how much involves surrender. Be sure to give Jesus an opportunity to speak to you as well.
Read Matthew 9:35-38 again focusing on Jesus’ words to his disciples.
What is it that Jesus’ sees that his disciples don’t? Where they see an unruly crowd of desperate people, Jesus sees a field ripe for the harvest. And rather than instruct his disciples to get out there and get busy bringing in the crops all by themselves, he tells them to ask God for more workers.
Jesus sees through the eyes of compassion and looks to the One who has the power to restore all people and all things.
Try to think broadly about the world for a moment. When you see images or hear stories of unruly, desperate people seeking help or protection, how do you react? Do your reactions reflect the heart of Jesus? Are you quick to go to God on behalf of the crowds?
For the last minutes of this meditation, share your thoughts and feelings about this with Jesus and listen to him recognizing that his compassionate heart is turned toward you as well.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you or inviting you to do?
How will you respond to Jesus?
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