"Magistrates and ministers are the shepherds of a people; if these be wanting, or be not as they should be, people are apt to wander and be scattered abroad, are exposed to enemies, and in danger of wanting food and of hurting one another, as sheep having no shepherd." - Matthew Henry
Matthew 9:36 says - "But when He (Jesus) saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
First of all, we would like to ask you the following questions - In your estimation, which characteristics embody a True Leader? In other words, which traits should he or she have in order to be considered great? Which feature stands out above all? Who would you consider to be a Leader in your day and time?
There is no doubt about it! The world is in need of True Leaders. As the days go by, we are finding that they are becoming far and few between - both in the spiritual and political realms.
However, there is one Leader Whose example has and always will represent the standard for greatness. That Leader is the Lord Jesus Christ.
And Matthew 9:36 offers us a perfect illustration of His Leadership qualities in action.
Matthew 9:36 says - "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."
First of all, Matthew tells us that Jesus - "saw the multitudes." As He was taking His circuit through the various towns, cities, and villages, He was making observations. He "saw" large numbers flocking to His ministry... people who were "starving" for spiritual instructions...and the unhappy and despondent situation many were in. He also "saw" their anxiety, and what He "saw" smote His eyes and His heart.
The problem with many Leaders of today - both spiritual and political - is that they "see" "partial views" and henceforth come to "erroneous conclusions about everything." Because life is "so good" for them, they think that it is "good" for everyone. Because their pockets are lined with "gold," they think that everyone's are. Or because they "have it made in the shade," they fail to see others who are suffering and without.
Read what The Biblical Illustrator had to say on this - "There are men who take partial views and come to partial and, therefore, erroneous conclusions about everything. There are those who seat themselves within some vernal enclosure or summer paradise, and say, with a foolish chuckle, that the earth is not so bad a place after all. They see a bed of blooming flowers, fiery-hued or gentle-tinted, and they hear birds in the branches twittering, trilling, singing, and making melody in their hearts, and they say the earth is a very lovely place, notwithstanding all the croakers say to the contrary...but go beyond the garden wall, go into the rough streets, go into the desolate places, take in the wilderness, throw the line around the entirety, bring the whole elements within your purview, and then say what it is..."
Notice what this commentary said. Those who have "seated themselves within some vernal enclosure or summer paradise" "see" the "bed of blooming flowers" and conclude that the "earth is not so bad a place after all." But, these fail to "go beyond the garden wall" to the "rough streets," "desolate places," or "wilderness" where most live today.
A True Leader "sees" beyond himself and his "good fortune" or "paradise" to "see" the plight of others and is "moved" by what he"sees."
Many Leaders in the Church or the political realm - sad to say - "see the multitudes" and reason within themselves how these can make them rich... cause them to achieve a certain position...or achieve a given end. They cater to the "wealthy" or to special interest groups - and in doing so, neglect the poor, hurting, suffering, and distraught.
When Jesus - the Leader of all leaders - "saw the multitudes," His eyes did not zero in on the rich Pharisees or scribes, and his mind did not contrive how he could cater to them or change his message in order to win their support.
On the contrary, when He "saw the multitudes," His eyes were not on those who could benefit Him, but on those who could not return the favor.
Matthew 9:36 says - "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."
Jesus "saw" a people who were "fainting" and "were scattered abroad." He "saw" a people who were grieved and melancholy...were destitute... were vexed, harassed, and distressed...were tired and fatigued in their minds... and were burdened and wearied with the various "regulations" of their leaders.
He "saw" a people who were utterly despised and neglected by the proud and disdained Pharisees and scribes - who had one interest and that was to "fleece" them. He "saw" a people who were abjects and outcasts - lying about, abandoned, thrown down, and prostrate on the ground. He "saw" the sad and pathetic state in which they were - being harassed and bewildered by those who were placed in office or positions of leadership for the sole purpose of helping them. He "saw" the masses - suffering and distressed - from the burdens put on them by those who pretended to be their shepherds.
Besides "seeing" them as "faint" and "scattered," He also "saw" them as shepherdless - "as sheep having no shepherd."
As the Leader of all leaders, He "saw the multitudes" as "sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death" (Matthew 4:16) - with no hope of rising and moving. Absolute passivity laid hold on them. They had no dream of advancement or progress.
What the Apostle was telling us in this verse of the Scriptures was that when Jesus "saw" the people, He "saw" not only them - but their condition.
This is what a True Leader will do! Just like Jesus, a True Leader will look beyond his own interests or agendas - denomination, political party, etc. - and in doing so, will "see" the actual condition of the people.
In this case, Jesus - the Leader of all leaders - "saw" a worn-out, tired, and oppressed people who were in desperate need of a leader and guide who would help them out of their distressful situation.
In this verse, He is teaching us how to think of and look at men. But not only that - He is also teaching us how to feel at such a sight and what to do with that feeling.
In the Bible, He is referred to as a "Man of sorrows" - "acquainted with grief." (Isaiah 53:3) However, do not overlook the fact that it was not His own "sorrows" or own "griefs" that He "carried," but those which He took from others into His own heart.
Matthew 9:36 says - "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them..."
He was "moved" with the sight of their suffering. He felt pity at "seeing" their miseries. His heart yearned for them. He was "touched with the feeling of their infirmities." (Hebrews 4:15) He was heartily concerned for their souls and well-being.
In the Sermon Bible Commentary, it is said that - "The highest relation of man to man is that of compassion...it is love at its best, love quick, love in its highest gradation..."
Hence, Jesus - as Leader of all leaders - and "Love" personified - seldom looked upon a crowd of poor, lost, human beings without being "moved" with tender "compassion."
He took notice of the "multitudes." His "compassion" was moved by what He "saw" - their pitiable condition.
Unlike the sentiment of many Leaders of today - both spiritual and political - He "saw" the "multitudes" as being more than "numbers," "givers," "supporters," or "voters."
As should be the case, He viewed them as "multitudes" of rational, capable, responsible, and immortal beings who were desperately in need of a True, Trustworthy, Honest, and Caring Leader.
In Matthew 9:36, Jesus offered us a perfect picture of True Leadership.
In closing, as we have concluded, a True Leader - whether spiritual or political - will look beyond his "summer paradise." His main interest will not be how he can cater to the rich "financial supporters" or the "special interest groups" who through their monetary gifts got him into office. His main interest will be the people.
A True Leader - whether spiritual or political - will be able to "see" the "multitudes"...be "moved with compassion" at their pitiful condition...rise to the occasion to be the True Shepherd they desperately need...and fight every "wolf" who would dare to bring them harm or steal their peace.
Jesus showed us what to look for in a Leader. Do you know of any? Are you one of them?
May God Bless His Word,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
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