Passion for Souls – Matthew 9:36-38
Matthew’s Gospel is more than just about a simple man. Matthew records that Gabriel told Joseph that when Mary became pregnant, the Child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and He would be called “Joshua/Jesus” because “He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
In this paragraph of three verses, we see Jesus’ passion for souls. I pray that you and I will imitate that passion for souls…
PASSION FOR SOULS BEGINS WITH COMPASSION FOR SOULS – 9:36a:
Jesus looked around and had compassion for other people. The English word “compassion” comes from the Latin that means com – “with” and “passion” – “suffer.” Thus, the “Passion of the Christ” or “Christ’s Sufferings.” So, compassion means to “suffer” with “others.”
Jesus suffered with others. That is, He felt their pain. If we will be like Christ, we too, must “suffer the pain” of others: Colossians 3:12; 1 John 3:17; Philippians 1:8.
Notice why Jesus felt compassion:
PASSION FOR SOULS SEES THE NEEDS AROUND US – 9:36b:
Jesus saw that people were “harassed” and “helpless,” like sheep without a shepherd.
First, the word “harassed” originally meant to be “flayed” or “skinned.” Second, the word “helpless” means “to throw down with considerable force.” When you put these two words in their context here in verse 36, as “sheep without a shepherd,” you get the picture of a sheep that has been harassed by wolves until it finally wore itself out and then the wolves have jumped on the sheep and started tearing it to shreds.
The greatest problem all of us have is the problem of sin. But the point is, we look around and we see people today dealing with these very issues and they are harassed and helpless against Satan because they are not walking with Jesus Christ.
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PASSION FOR SOULS RECOGNIZES THE HARVEST AVAILABLE – 9:37a:
The population of Swartz Creek is 5,636, so nearly 3,400 people are staying at home and not worshiping God through Jesus Christ. Even many of those who are in church somewhere are still not following Jesus and listening to the Spirit of Truth as they should.
PASSION FOR SOULS SEES THE NEED FOR WORKERS – 9:37b:
But, in contrast to the plentiful harvest, the laborers are few. In contrast to the multitude who are on the wide path that leads to destruction, there are a comparative few who are on the narrow path that leads to life.
I’m not saying that we will be lost if we never have a Bible study with someone. But if we love Jesus, how can we not be interested in the eternal destination of other people? If we love Jesus, how can we not be moved with compassion by the suffering and sin in the lives of other people?
PASSION FOR SOULS WORKS WITH THE SAVIOR OF SOULS – 9:38:
God has a job to do – to raise up workers, empower them, and guide them to the souls who can be reached.
But, you and I also have a job to do. Right after this text, in chapter 10, Jesus chooses twelve disciples, appoints them as apostles, and then sends them out to preach! You and I have a responsibility. We can prepare ourselves, we can pray until we have callouses on our knees. But if we do not go and/or send, Jesus will not be glorified: 1 Corinthians 3:6-8.
Jesus was a man of compassion for souls. Let us be the same.
–Paul Holland
