Matthew 9-10 ‘The Good Shepherd’
A good Christian shepherd was described in the story Jesus told . A shepherd owned a flock of sheep that grazed in lush, green pastures. Every day, the shepherd would rise early, check that each sheep was healthy, and would guide them to grazing areas. He knew each sheep by name. When a storm arose, threatening the sheep, the shepherd did not just think of himself but stood guard, ensuring no predator could harm or steal the sheep. He even carried one frightened lamb in his arms, speaking gently to calm it.
One day, a wolf prowled near the flock. The shepherd, armed only with a staff, placed himself between the predator and his sheep. Though in danger, he was willing to risk his life to save them because of his deep love for each of them.
When one sheep wandered away, this shepherd left the ninety-nine others in the care of a helper and went searching. He travelled along rocky paths and through thick forests until he found the lost sheep. Rejoicing, he placed it on his shoulders and brought it safely back to the fold. (John 10:11-16)
Jesus describes Himself as the “Good Shepherd.” When he saw crowds of people he felt very sorry for them. Have you ever felt this when watching a premier league football match where there are thousands of excited people watching people kick a ball from one end of a pitch to the other and back again? Is this what matters most to them? Jesus felt deeply for people because he could see their needs.
“When he saw the crowds he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:16
Jesus’ immediate response was to ask his disciples to pray about this problem:
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37
This title for the Lord God is seldom mentioned today, he is ‘the Lord of the harvest’. He longs to welcome people into his kingdom but his usual way of achieving this is to mobilise his own followers to go out into the harvest field. What are God’s people to do in the world of need?
Jesus sent out his disciples on a practice run. He gave then his authority and their purpose was essentially two-fold:
To preach the message that the kingdom of heaven is near.
To care for peoples physical needs.
These priorities have never changed. He told them:
“As you go, preach this message: The kingdom of God is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew10:7-8
Today people have a wide variety of needs, physical, psychological, social, moral as well as spiritual sicknesses abound and God’s people must be willing to get involved in a murky world for the Lord Jesus. We must not remain aloof to people’s needs. Today there are some Christians who are willing to help others with their physical needs but who are unable or unwilling to help answer the spiritual needs. Such people rarely, if ever, explain to people how they can become acceptable to God and be received into his kingdom. Conversely there are some who are happy to preach to people but not to raise a finger to help practically. Christians must do both but we must never forget that we do have a message to share and Jesus kept stressing this to his future church leaders:
“As you go, preach this message: The Kingdom of God is near.” Matthew 10:7
There will be those who will not welcome this message. Jesus simply says, ‘Don’t worry about that. Go somewhere else and tell them instead!’
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. . . . I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:14-16
Many find it hard to get involved with those who are suffering or failing but we must remember that all true Christians have been given the Spirit of Jesus to enable us to continue his task. Jesus said,
“A student is not above his teacher nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.” Matthew 10”24-25
Our priorities must be the same as our Lord, Jesus the Christ. Christians should not worry about what others think of them but continue to find ways to winsomely pass on Christ’s message. What we do now in secret will, in God’s time, become public:
“So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known.” Matthew 10:26
What better motivation is there to make it our priority to get the message out. This was the longing of Jesus and he passed on this mantle to his disciples. In time they will need to teach subsequent generations of Christians to fulfil this mission:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus continued,
“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Matthew 10:27-28
Why are Christians so reticent to make the proclamation of the gospel their main priority? Could it be that we don’t really respect God as God and so see all of life from the perspective of eternity? Jesus continued:
“Rather be afraid of the the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
Jesus reminds us that our heavenly Father loves us and cares for us more than we can ever know. What seems insignificant in our eyes can mean much to God.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
Isn’t this thrilling? Jesus said this to those who were to become his apostles and it must be the same message for those thinking of becoming minister/elders in his church today. We all need to understand the gravity of what Jesus is saying. He finished this passage with the telling words:
“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32
Encouraging people to speak up and out about Jesus will inevitably cause some frictions for them. Jesus recognised this so he continued,
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 1034
This is not supporting military action to win converts but a recognition that some listeners will react to the message violently. This antagonism may even come from within our own families. Isn’t this being seen today in some Islamic societies where a Muslim turns to Christ for salvation?
A godly leader will warn his people that our priority in life must be to live for Christ above everything else. Jesus continued,
“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:37-38
All God’s people must align themselves with those who are active in sharing the Word of God with others:
“Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.” Matthew 10:41
It really will be well worth while to make both serving the Lord and supporting others who are also making this their life’s priority and leaders need to encourage others in this by their actions and words.
We must therefore make it our priority to protect and care for those people who suffer because they are making the service of the Lord Jesus their priority. This chapter finishes with a simple reminder,
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42
Jackie Pullinger is a British missionary who has dedicated her life to serving marginalised communities in Hong Kong since 1966. Her work has primarily focused on sharing the gospel with those there with problems. She has helped to rehabilitate drug addicts, supporting young people in crisis, and assisting individuals facing life-threatening challenges. In 1981, she founded the St. Stephen’s Society, a nonprofit organization that provides rehabilitation homes and comprehensive support services. She has committed her life to this task because she is deeply committed to serving the Lord Jesus.
Dick Lucas had the same motivation when he accepted an invitation from some Christian business men to establish a missionary work amongst businessmen in the city of London. St Helen’s Bishopsgate, a previously empty city church, has become a major Christian centre for the world.
Mrs Beatrice Thatcher devoted her life to teaching children the Christian message in her Sunday School in Walton on the Maze in Essex. I was one of her pupils. All such people will receive their reward.
BVP
