And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matt. 9:35-36 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, there are so many reasons to love you. Today we’re particularly stunned by your compassion—greatly convicted by it, longing to feel more of it. When you looked at crowds of “harassed and helpless” people, you didn’t ignore them; they didn’t irritate you; you made time for them. Sympathy beat within your breast; kindness overflowed; caring was concrete. Help us know this is what you feel for us today—indeed, for me.
At times our theology is better than our experience—our doctrine being more certain than our delight; our readiness to serve you is more obvious than our commitment to sit with you. We long for the Spirit to convince us afresh that, as you look upon us right now, it’s mercy you feel—not indifference or disappointment. We aren’t necessarily “harassed or helpless,” but we need your loving heart in the places we feel confusion and loss, and disconnect and weariness. Come and shepherd our hearts today, Jesus.
We praise, bless, and adore you for suffering for us on the cross, once and for all. We stake our living, and our dying, on this glorious gospel. But it’s also comforting to know that you share in our sufferings right now, as well. No one understands us like you—no one is closer and kinder, more patient and more grace-full. We are thankful. So very Amen we pray, in your holy and loving name.