Have you ever felt harassed or helpless?
Jesus used these words to describe the Jewish people as he ministered in their cities and villages. These are dark words, describing great struggle.
Harassed means to be attacked or hunted. Helpless means to be thrown down with considerable force. These words describe how hard life can be and how lost we can feel. Jesus drives this point home with a farming metaphor that compares the Jewish people to sheep without a shepherd. This imagery created an overwhelming compassion within Jesus.
Take a walk through the inroads of India. Prowl through the pathways of Pakistan. Trek to the towers of Tokyo. Or stroll through the streets of Syrian refugee camps. In places like these, you will discover that Jesus’ words are still relevant today. Everywhere, people are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. They deeply need a leader.
Jesus’ call to pray for laborers is also relevant. The harvest is plentiful. The workers are few. Will you pray with us?
Set a daily reminder at 9:38 to pray, and receive weekly encouragement to guide your prayers.