When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  (Matthew 9:36)

In the 9th and 10th chapters of Matthew, Jesus is on the go. He’s traveling to all the cities and villages, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming good news, and curing every disease and sickness he encounters. His compassion is great, but the harvest God has set for him is even greater.

Jesus gathers, teaches, and then sends 12 others to join him in this work and he tells them, “Go to the lost sheep of Israel – the ones who are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd – and as you go, proclaim the good news. . . . Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleans the lepers, cast out demons!”

Pastor Amy reminded us on Sunday, this is the same work to which Jesus calls us today. Who are the shepherdless ones in our communities? Who are the ones on the receiving end of public harassment? Who are the ones helpless to find a path forward? Jesus has compassion on these people and situations, and when we move toward them, we’re apt to find Jesus in the midst of them!

This work exits in whatever village, town or city you call home, just as it exists in the places where we work, where we learn, where we spend our days. This work exists on sports fields and school auditoriums; in classrooms and offices.

The idea that we could be the ones invited to step into Jesus’ shepherding shoes seems outlandish. But that is how God often works – thought unexpected people who find themselves in unlikely places. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God is already at work restoring all things to abundant life! The power of Jesus is already alive in the world in the lives of all who step into his shephering shoes . . . including YOU!

P.S. Don’t forget to send us pictures of your marigolds! Alive, wilted, or dead!