Matthew 9:32-38
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus,and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said,"Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel. "But the Pharisees said, "He drives out demons by the prince of demons."
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for thembecause they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvestto send out laborers for his harvest."
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I listened to a commentary on this gospel this morning, and it was very thoughtful.
Look at how the people respond to Jesus - they are rushing to Him, and are desperate for Him.
Now look at Christ's response. He pities them. They are troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. That sounds a LOT like the world we live in today. People running from one thing to another, this activity and that. Run, run, run.
That type of life puts barriers between us and our savior. I say us because I'm guilty of it too. Business trips, soccer, dance, recitals, games, football, baseball, chores around the house, this and that social commitment. We schedule ourselves to the hilt. We fill up our days from beginning to end with one activity after another, and typically leave out the most important thing we can do -- spending time before God.
