Matthew 9:36-38
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus’ heart breaks not just because the crowds are numerous, but because they are deeply wounded and worn down by their religious leaders, utterly lost and neglected. The Greek word used for "harassed" literally means to be "flayed" or "mangled," painting a vivid picture of people torn apart by false teachings, just like sheep being savaged by predators.
Jesus had just finished a series of teachings and miracles, including healing a paralytic and calling Matthew to be a disciple. As He traveled through towns and villages, large crowds followed Him, seeking His instruction and help. Seeing their weariness and their lack of proper spiritual guidance from the religious leaders, Jesus' heart was moved with deep compassion.
Ever felt a pang of empathy so strong it moved you to action? Jesus’ response to the crowds wasn't just intellectual; it was visceral.
When Jesus saw the crowds, the text says he was "moved with compassion." This isn't a mild sympathy; the original language points to a deep, gut-wrenching feeling, like his insides were twisting with concern. Imagine seeing a massive group of people, not just physically tired, but spiritually lost and hurting, and feeling that pain as if it were your own.
A Divine Empathy
This compassion wasn't just a fleeting emotion. It was a powerful force that drove his mission. He saw their weariness and their aimless wandering, and it broke his heart. This divine empathy is the engine behind his willingness to teach, heal, and ultimately, to sacrifice.
Why did Jesus feel such deep compassion? The description of the crowds as 'harassed and helpless' reveals a profound spiritual crisis.
The people weren't just a bit tired; they were 'harassed' and 'helpless.' The original words suggest they were worn out, possibly even 'flayed' or 'torn' from their burdens. They were 'scattered,' not just physically lost, but spiritually adrift.
The Burden of False Shepherds
This state wasn't accidental. The commentaries point out that the religious leaders of the day—the scribes and Pharisees—were failing miserably. Instead of guiding and caring for the people, they burdened them with complex traditions and laws, leaving them exhausted and confused. They were like ineffective shepherds who allowed their flock to be scattered and vulnerable.
The image of sheep without a shepherd is ancient and powerful. What does this analogy reveal about God's design and Jesus' role?
Comparing the people to sheep without a shepherd is incredibly poignant. A shepherd’s job is to protect, guide, feed, and care for the flock. Without one, sheep are easily lost, attacked by predators, and left to wander aimlessly.
Understand the original words
splagchnizomai · Greek Verb
Refers to a deep, visceral emotional response, often involving the bowels or inward parts. In the New Testament, it describes the profound empathy of Jesus that moves Him to act on behalf of others.
skyllō · Greek Verb (participle)
A state of being physically or spiritually exhausted, beaten down, or plagued by external pressures. In a biblical context, it often refers to those burdened by the weight of sin or the oppressive religious systems of the time.
rhiptō · Greek Verb (participle)
Refers to a state of being cast down, prostrate, or utterly abandoned. It describes those who are spiritually incapacitated and lack the resources to help themselves or find their way to God.
probaton · Greek Noun
Jesus' compassion is deeply rooted in the Old Testament prophets' condemnation of corrupt leadership and the people's resulting suffering, painting a stark picture of spiritual abandonment that He alone can remedy.
Late 8th century BC
Prophets warn of judgment
Prophets like Isaiah and Amos decry the spiritual corruption and social injustice within Israel and Judah, warning of impending exile and judgment due to the people's straying from God's ways.
605 BC
First deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah and begins deporting skilled citizens, including prophets like Daniel, to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, ending the monarchy and scattering the remaining population, deepening the sense of a shepherdless flock.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. While a return, the leadership and spiritual guidance remain a struggle.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' concern, describing Joshua as a leader appointed to go out before the people, ensuring they aren't like sheep without a shepherd.
1 Kings 22:17This verse shows Micaiah prophesying that Israel would be scattered as sheep without a shepherd, highlighting the dire consequences of lacking true spiritual guidance.
Ezekiel 34:5This prophetic lament directly addresses the shepherds of Israel for neglecting the flock, causing them to be scattered and fall prey to wild animals, echoing the condition Jesus saw.
Psalm 23:1This beloved psalm declares 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,' offering a stark contrast to the helpless, shepherdless crowds Jesus encountered, emphasizing what they were lacking.
John 10:11Jesus identifies Himself as the 'good shepherd' who lays down his life for the sheep, directly fulfilling the need seen in Matthew 9:36 and showing His compassionate response to their plight.
barnesMatthew 9:36: "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."
But when he saw the multitudes - That followed him from place to place. When he saw their anxiety to be instructed and saved. He was moved with compassion on them - He pitied them. Because they fainted - The word used here refers to the weariness and fatigue which results from labor and being burdened. He saw the people burdened with…
pulpitMatthew 9:36: "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."
Verse 36. - But when he saw the multitudes. The substance of this verse is found in Mark 6:34 on the return of the apostles, equivalent to our Matthew 14:13, seq. (cf. supra). According to the context, the multitudes here spoken of are those of the various cities and villages through which he had passed. He was moved with compassion…
Jesus’ heart breaks not just because the crowds are numerous, but because they are deeply wounded and worn down by their religious leaders, utterly lost and neglected. The Greek word used for "harassed" literally means to be "flayed" or "mangled," painting a vivid picture of people torn apart by false teachings, just like sheep being savaged by predators.
Jesus had just finished a series of teachings and miracles, including healing a paralytic and calling Matthew to be a disciple. As He traveled through towns and villages, large crowds followed Him, seeking His instruction and help. Seeing their weariness and their lack of proper spiritual guidance from the religious leaders, Jesus' heart was moved with deep compassion.
Jesus had just finished a series of teachings and miracles, including healing a paralytic and calling Matthew to be a disciple. As He traveled through towns and villages, large crowds followed Him, seeking His instruction and help. Seeing their weariness and their lack of proper spiritual guidance from the religious leaders, Jesus' heart was moved with deep compassion.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 9:36-38 is available in the Sola app.
Christ: The True Shepherd
Jesus saw this lack of true spiritual leadership and felt the deep need. He didn't just pity them; he stepped into the role. His compassion stemmed from recognizing that these people desperately needed a shepherd who would care for them, who would lead them to life and rest. This points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s desire for his people to have true care and guidance.
An animal known for its vulnerability, dependency, and tendency to wander. In Scripture, humanity is frequently compared to sheep to emphasize our need for a leader, protector, and guide to keep us from straying.
poimēn · Greek Noun
One who tends, feeds, and protects a flock. Biblically, it is used to describe God’s relationship with His people and the responsibility of spiritual leaders to provide care, guidance, and safety.
therismos · Greek Noun
A metaphor for the time of gathering the spiritual fruit of God’s redemptive work. It represents the urgency of evangelism and the gathering of souls into the kingdom of God.
ergatēs · Greek Noun
Workers or those who toil. In a spiritual sense, it refers to those whom God calls and sends to actively participate in the work of spreading the Gospel and gathering souls into His kingdom.
deomai · Greek Verb
A command or intense petition directed to God. It involves persistent, earnest seeking of His will, acknowledging that all spiritual results are ultimately dependent on Him.
Early 1st century AD
Roman occupation of Judea
Judea is under Roman rule, with a complex political and religious landscape. The Sanhedrin and local rulers attempt to maintain order, but the people often feel oppressed and spiritually neglected.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' public ministry begins
Jesus begins traveling throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the kingdom of God, and healing the sick. Crowds flock to Him, seeking His message and miracles.
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the…" — Jesus’ heart breaks not just because the crowds are numerous, but because they are deeply wounded and worn down by their religious leaders, utterly lost and neglected. The Greek word used for "harass…
