THEY WERE TIRED AND SCATTERED, LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD

I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining me once again as we reflect on the Word of God.

A Glimpse Into Jesus’ Heart

One of the most revealing moments in the ministry of Jesus is found in Matthew 9:35–36:

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

This passage doesn’t just describe an event—it opens a window into the heart of Christ. His compassion wasn’t just emotional; it was theologically grounded in His identity as the Good Shepherd (cf. John 10:11). His concern was for people who were vulnerable, spiritually abused, misled, and abandoned by the very ones who were supposed to care for them.

The terms “harassed and helpless” in Greek literally mean troubled, thrown down, or cast aside. These people were not only physically tired—they were crushed under the weight of religious burdens, legalism, and spiritual manipulation. This paints a sobering picture of what it means to be sheep without a shepherd—a biblical metaphor for spiritual lostness and lack of guidance (cf. Ezekiel 34:5–6).

A Reflection of Today’s Church

This same problem still exists today. Many believers are spiritually exhausted. They’ve been misled by false teachers who promise prosperity, healing, or breakthrough in exchange for money. They’ve been taught rituals, ceremonies, and man-made doctrines in place of the saving grace of Jesus Christ (cf. Ephesians 2:8–9).

Instead of hearing the true Gospel—the message of repentance, faith, and new life in Christ—many are offered anointing oils, so-called miracle waters, or manipulative teachings that center on fear, guilt, or superstition. This is spiritual abuse. And the fruit of it is clear: people feel betrayed, disillusioned, and scattered. Many would rather stay at home than risk being deceived again.

This tragedy grieves the heart of God.

A Warning to Shepherds and Leaders

If you’re a pastor, preacher, or church leader, this message is especially for you. The role of a shepherd in Scripture is sacred. Leaders are called not to exploit the flock but to feed, protect, and guide them in truth (cf. 1 Peter 5:2–4).

The Lord speaks strongly against unfaithful shepherds in Jeremiah 23:1–4

“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord.
Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord.
“I myself will gather the remnant of my flock… and I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord.

God holds shepherds accountable. Ministry is not a business. It is not a career ladder. It is a holy calling to lay down one’s life for the flock—just as Christ laid down His life for us (cf. John 10:11).

Hope for the Weary and Scattered

To those who feel scattered and weary: God sees you. Jesus has not abandoned you. In fact, He is the True Shepherd, the One who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one who is lost (cf. Luke 15:4–7).

And to faithful servants: be encouraged. God is raising up shepherds after His own heart (cf. Jeremiah 3:15)—leaders who will teach truth, live humbly, and serve out of love. The Church of Christ is being purified. What man has corrupted, God will restore.