Matthew 9:36

ESV When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

NIV When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

NASB Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd.

CSB When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.

NLT When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

KJV But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

NKJV But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

What does Matthew 9:36 mean?

Jesus' teaching and miracles have drawn huge crowds. Some have travelled great distances to see Him. Earlier in Matthew, Jesus felt the need to get away from the crowds, escaping in a fishing boat all the way across the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:18). In those specific moments, Jesus recognized the need to rest and refresh Himself.

In a broader sense, though, Jesus looks at the crowds of people and is filled with compassion for them. These are the children of Israel. These are the people of God. Instead of flourishing, Jesus sees that they are harassed and helpless. If Matthew had stopped there, we might think Jesus' sympathy for them had to do with Roman occupation. Instead Jesus feels compassion for a specific kind of misery: symbolized by the image of lost sheep.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–2), Jesus challenged the attitudes and behaviors of Israel's religious leaders in several important areas. This, though, is the greatest charge against them. Instead of shepherding the people of Israel with kindness and mercy, the Pharisees and the other religious leaders judge, intimidate, and bully the people into following rules and procedures not even found in the law of Moses. The people are helpless against these leaders, since their participation in the worship of God and life of the community is dependent on the approval of these men.

Jesus' compassion and sympathy are another connection to God the Father (Psalm 103:13–14). His impulse to shepherd the people points again to the fact that He is the Messiah (Micah 5:4).

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Context Summary
Matthew 9:35–38 gives a wide-ranging overview of Jesus' earthly teaching and preaching ministry. It describes Jesus' great compassion while looking out over crowds of people who have come to see Him. He recognizes they are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Christ tells His followers the harvest is plentiful, but there are too few workers. He commands those followers to pray earnestly that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers to gather it in.

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Chapter Summary
Matthew 9 continues to show how Jesus authenticated His claims to be the Messiah by powerful miracles of healing and casting out demons. He heals a paralyzed man after telling the man his sins are forgiven. He calls Matthew to follow Him and eats dinner with Matthew and other tax collectors. He answers questions from Pharisees and others. A woman who touches His cloak is healed from a 12–year illness, and Jesus raises a dead girl back to life. He restores sight to blind men and speech to one who is demon oppressed. He is filled with compassion for the crowds.

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What is the Gospel?

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