The Compassionate Ministry of Jesus (Matthew 9:35-38)

Sermon Summary

Pastor David Yan

12 Jan 2025

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Before Jesus began his ministry the Jewish synagogues had been established. This was a providential work of God, just as Roman roads were God’s provision for the advance of the gospel through the itinerant ministry of the apostle Paul. God provides all necessities for the progress of the gospel.

Jesus went to villages and cities. This was physically demanding. Jesus got tired. He was human. He expended all his energy to show God’s love for people. He taught everywhere. His teaching entered the minds of people. He had great authority They listened to him as one sent from heaven.

He preached everywhere. His preaching challenged the will. It called for responses. “Repent and believe the gospel.”

He healed diseases. Jesus ministered to the whole person. He cared for the body, mind and will. He had compassion on the multitudes. He saw their weariness.

There is a weariness of the body. People willingly gave up comforts and food to hear Jesus. Jesus had compassion for them. There is a weariness of the spirit. People were scattered as sheep without a shepherd. Jesus saw them. He is the compassionate Good Shepherd. He invites the weary and heavy laden to come to him for rest.

Today, Jesus still has compassion for the multitudes. People are hurting and living under great stress. All who come to him will find rest for their souls.

He sends out workers to be his servants. Christians are to be people of compassion. Your master is compassionate. You, his servants, are to be likewise.

In summary, Jesus has compassion for lost sheep, and seeks their well being. He will achieve his purpose. Not one of his sheep will be forever scattered. They are gathered together in the flock of Jesus.

There is only one Good Shepherd and only one flock. Jesus is the Shepherd. We are his sheep. The Good Shepherd is compassionate. His sheep must also be compassionate.