The Solution to the Confusion?

The Solution to the Confusion?

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. —Matthew 9:36

Have you noticed that although we’ve seen massive changes around the planet these past few years, some things never change?

I was reading through Matthew’s gospel recently and came across an insight that Jesus had for the people of his day, that is still happening around our world today.

Jesus was doing incredible things: healing those with incurable diseases, giving sight to the blind, bringing the dead back to life. Huge crowds followed him from place to place. Whatever there was a need, Jesus filled it.

But at one point Jesus paused to consider what lay before him. Here is how Matthew described Jesus’ solution:

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:35–38

What stood out to me was that Jesus’ compassion was stirred because they were “confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

I have never owned sheep. And I have never personally observed how sheep respond when the shepherd isn’t present.

But I know what it feels like to be alone, anxious, confused and helpless. He said they were:

Confused and helpless.

Ever felt like that? Confused? Helpless?

I can’t think of a better way to describe our time. These past few years have raised more questions than answers.

Back to Jesus.

In that moment, he gives his followers the solution to this disorienting confusion and helplessness. He says:

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” v.38

The solution, Jesus says, is to ask God to activate those who have a part in his mission.

That would be us…both as pray-ers and harvesters.

But notice this: instead of just telling his disciples to jump in, Jesus tells them to pray for more who will come around them to be part of His agenda for the world.

God’s heart is to deliver us from a hopeless and helpless condition, into Jesus’ herd—his family—his kingdom.

The truth is, trying to make sense of life without God is a confusing and helpless proposition at best.

The answer to the confusion and helplessness in our time isn’t political. the solution isn’t sociological or technological. The answer has been the same for the past 2,000 years. It is Christ.

Jesus tells us that his plan begins with prayer, and then it continues by being part of God’s harvesters…this harvest incorporates the planet.

Political agendas come and go. Sports seasons come and go. Hobbies come and go. But, there is one thing that never changes, it is this: the deepest longings of the human heart. Only the indwelling Christ can fulfill that longing.

You were made to live life connected to your Heavenly Father. And that is the reason Jesus came.

Why not take a moment right now to ask your him how you can be part of that harvest. Allow his Spirit to blow away the fog of confusion, and ask him to replace it with the clarity that only Jesus can provide.

Then watch what he reveals to you.

Ask and you will receive

Bill Herried is lead pastor at CenterPoint Christian Fellowship in Tacoma, Washington. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and Master of Divinity from Corban University in Salem, Oregon. He is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren and loves a good biryani. You can learn more about Bill on his blog, Your Daily Encouragement.

Photo by Wallpaper Cave