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R³ Devotional - Day 284

R³ Devotional - Day 284 - Matthew 9

By: Anderson Baptist Church

“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” — Matthew 9:36

Jesus models a ministry that is holistic—He teaches, proclaims, and heals. But what drives Him is not just duty—it’s compassion. He sees the spiritual and physical condition of the people and responds with urgency. Then He turns to His disciples and invites them into the mission: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

Real Principles

  1. Ministry is holistic. Jesus teaches truth, proclaims hope, and heals brokenness. Ministry must engage both soul and body.

  2. Compassion precedes commission. Jesus doesn’t just see the crowd—He feels for them. Compassion is the fuel for mission.

  3. People are spiritually vulnerable.  “Harassed and helpless” reflects a world without shepherds. Many are wandering, wounded, and waiting.

  4. The harvest is ready, but the workers are few. The issue isn’t the lack of opportunity—it’s the lack of laborers willing to go.

  5. Prayer is the first strategy. Jesus doesn’t say “go” first—He says “pray.” Mobilization begins on our knees.

Relevant Applications

  • Evaluate our ministry balance. Are we teaching, proclaiming, and healing with His word—or only one? Let’s reflect on Jesus’ full model.

  • Cultivate compassion, not just programs. Before we plan, we must see people. Ask: “Do we feel what Jesus felt?”

  • Identify the harassed and helpless in our community. Who are the “sheep without a shepherd” in Anderson? Immigrant families? Youth? The isolated?

  • Pray for laborers—and become one.  Encourage each other in earnest prayer, but also challenge each person to consider: “Am I the answer to that prayer?”

  • Empower and send. Let us equip leaders, volunteers, and youth to step into the harvest. Share this devotion to launch a ministry initiative or outreach.
 
Ready:  Prayer

“Lord of the harvest, open our eyes to see the crowds as You see them. Break our hearts with compassion. Raise up laborers from among us—willing, humble, and bold. May our church be a place of teaching, healing, and sending. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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