When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them …
Matthew 9:36a
Harassed! Helpless! How easy it can be to feel harassed and/or helpless any day at home, in assisted living, or in the hospital. Waiting for a residence staff member to respond to a simple request. Harassed! Helpless! Overhearing our family discuss “What shall we do with dad?” Harassed! Helpless. Matthew 9 lists six incidences when Jesus had compassion on individuals: a paralytic, a tax collector, a ruler, a sick woman, two blind men, and a mute. All were likely harassed and/or helpless. Then came Jesus, who saw the individuals in the crowd and had compassion on them. These are reminders to us that our Heavenly Father sees our needs and then acts with compassion to individually give us strength, healing, and hope. What a Savior!
Dave Ebeling
Bloomington, IN
Dear Lord, “Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.” Amen.
Reflect: Whom do you know who might feel helpless or harassed? Be a friend who provides compassion.
Read: Matthew 9 and Psalm 88