Matthew 9:36 - But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.
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What does "Matthew 9:36" mean?
This verse, Matthew 9:36, is a powerful statement about Jesus's empathy and his understanding of the spiritual state of the people around him. Let's break it down:
"But when he saw the multitudes..." This sets the scene. Jesus is observing the large crowds of people gathered around him. It's important to note he's not just seeing them, he's observing them, paying attention to their condition.
"...he was moved with compassion for them..." This is the core of the verse. "Compassion" is a deep feeling of sympathy and sorrow for someone who is suffering, coupled with a strong desire to alleviate their suffering. It's more than just pity; it's a heartfelt, visceral reaction that motivates action. The Greek word used here, "splagchnizomai," is even stronger, suggesting a gut-wrenching empathy. It's a physical and emotional feeling.
"...because they were harassed and scattered..." This explains why Jesus felt compassion. "Harassed" (or "weary" or "troubled" in some translations) suggests they were burdened, overwhelmed, and possibly exploited. They were being pushed around, possibly by the religious leaders or the difficult circumstances of their lives. "Scattered" implies they were disorganized, disoriented, and lacking direction. They were vulnerable and lost.
"...like sheep without a shepherd." This is a powerful metaphor. Sheep without a shepherd are in a perilous situation. They are vulnerable to predators, easily lost, and have no one to guide them to food, water, or safety. In this context, the shepherd represents leadership, guidance, protection, and care. Jesus is saying that the people are in a similar state of spiritual vulnerability and need. They lack proper spiritual leadership and guidance. The religious leaders of the time, instead of caring for the people, were often seen as self-serving and oppressive.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus saw the large crowds of people and felt a deep, overwhelming compassion for them. He recognized that they were struggling, burdened, and lost, lacking spiritual direction and care, much like sheep without a shepherd are vulnerable and helpless. This verse highlights Jesus's deep empathy and his understanding of the people's spiritual needs, setting the stage for his ministry of providing that shepherding care. He recognizes their vulnerability and recognizes their need for someone to guide them spiritually.
Matthew 9:36 - But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.
What does "Matthew 9:36" mean?
This verse, Matthew 9:36, is a powerful statement about Jesus's empathy and his understanding of the spiritual state of the people around him. Let's break it down:
"But when he saw the multitudes..." This sets the scene. Jesus is observing the large crowds of people gathered around him. It's important to note he's not just seeing them, he's observing them, paying attention to their condition.
"...he was moved with compassion for them..." This is the core of the verse. "Compassion" is a deep feeling of sympathy and sorrow for someone who is suffering, coupled with a strong desire to alleviate their suffering. It's more than just pity; it's a heartfelt, visceral reaction that motivates action. The Greek word used here, "splagchnizomai," is even stronger, suggesting a gut-wrenching empathy. It's a physical and emotional feeling.
"...because they were harassed and scattered..." This explains why Jesus felt compassion. "Harassed" (or "weary" or "troubled" in some translations) suggests they were burdened, overwhelmed, and possibly exploited. They were being pushed around, possibly by the religious leaders or the difficult circumstances of their lives. "Scattered" implies they were disorganized, disoriented, and lacking direction. They were vulnerable and lost.
"...like sheep without a shepherd." This is a powerful metaphor. Sheep without a shepherd are in a perilous situation. They are vulnerable to predators, easily lost, and have no one to guide them to food, water, or safety. In this context, the shepherd represents leadership, guidance, protection, and care. Jesus is saying that the people are in a similar state of spiritual vulnerability and need. They lack proper spiritual leadership and guidance. The religious leaders of the time, instead of caring for the people, were often seen as self-serving and oppressive.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus saw the large crowds of people and felt a deep, overwhelming compassion for them. He recognized that they were struggling, burdened, and lost, lacking spiritual direction and care, much like sheep without a shepherd are vulnerable and helpless. This verse highlights Jesus's deep empathy and his understanding of the people's spiritual needs, setting the stage for his ministry of providing that shepherding care. He recognizes their vulnerability and recognizes their need for someone to guide them spiritually.