Monday, January 6, 2020
Matthew 9:35-38: The Compassion of Jesus
![sheep-with-shepherd[1]](https://thenoontimes.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/sheep-with-shepherd1.jpg?w=278&h=300)
A year ago we looked at these verses and today they pop up again. When familiar scripture returns we have the opportunity to look a bit deeper – and today is no exception. A year ago we looked at the meaning of Epiphany, the state of being surprised by something we already know but have not yet acknowledged. Today we fast forward to watch Jesus at work among the crowds who throng to him now that the word has spread about his healing goodness. When we look more closely at these few short verses, where is the epiphany for us? Where is the surprise?
What is it that moves Jesus to grow into one who heals the blind, deaf, mute and diseased? At the sight of the crowds . . .
When is it that we see Jesus in our own lives? When is he beside us on the bus or train? When does he ride in the back seat of the car? When does he work in the cubicle down the row? When does he stand in the grocery line with us? At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them . . .
Why is it that Jesus continually forgives, consistently shows mercy and always delivers justice? Why do we shrink from his offer of relationship when we are rejected by others? Why do we turn away from the source of all goodness when we are distressed? At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned . . .
How is it that God walks among us healing constantly, consoling always and touching our lives with many small miracles and we do not see? At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
Jesus comes to us to mend and console. This is not surprising when we read his story. This is no Epiphany.
God gives us the choice to follow or reject Christ. This is not surprising when we consider how much God loves us. Neither is this is an Epiphany.
The Spirit accompanies and protects us at all times. This is not surprising when we remember the promise of the cross. Not even this is an Epiphany when we know the Gospel story.
At the sight of the crowds . . . We are only one in a crowd of billions and yet God knows our smallest needs and greatest hopes. Perhaps this is our Epiphany. God so loves us that he sends his only child into the world to retrieve and shepherd us. Christ so loves us that he is willing to redeem us. Christ’s compassion knows no bounds . . . so let us then respond to God’s call with our own Epiphany. Let us surprise ourselves . . . and follow willingly.
A re-post from January 6, 2013.
To read an interesting blog post on what it means to be Sheep, click on the image above or go to: http://tndickersondiaries.blogspot.com/2011/02/and-we-think-were-so-smart.html
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