Connecting this mornings Bible reading with what is going on in the United States.
I was reading Matthew 9 and 10 today where Jesus went through all the cities and villages teaching, preaching, and healing every disease and affliction. When I began reading the end of Matthew chapter 9, the words struck my heart deeply:
““But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”
— Matthew 9:36–38
I could not help but think about what is happening in our nation right now. In recent days, the halt of SNAP benefits has left many poor families desperate, and videos show whole families stealing from stores. My heart aches, because what I see is not simply crime or rebellion. These are people who have been deceived.
They are harassed, told they are nothing because of their social class, the color of their skin, or other lies of this world. And they are helpless, because they have believed those lies.
They have been taught nothing else. Scripture says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). They act out of ignorance, sometimes willful, sometimes unknowing, but at the root, it is a spiritual blindness and fear that drives them.
Let’s get into it.
The Compassion of Christ and the Call to Be Sent
Jesus did not respond to the helpless with condemnation. He responded with compassion. His heart broke for the lost, for those wandering without truth or guidance. That same compassion should move us today.
When Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful,” He immediately followed it by sending His disciples. The compassion of Christ always leads to commission.
In Matthew 10:1, we read:
“And He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.”
This was not only for the twelve. Jesus intended this authority to extend to all who believe. The same compassion that sent them sends us. The same authority that empowered them empowers us.
The Authority Given to All Believers
The Word confirms that the authority of Christ continues through His followers today:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
— Matthew 28:18–20
That command did not end with the original disciples. “Those who believe” were also promised signs following:
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
— Mark 16:17–18
Even beyond the twelve, Jesus extended authority to the seventy-two He sent out:
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.”
— Luke 10:19
And He sealed that promise for every believer through the Holy Spirit:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses…”
— Acts 1:8
The Greek word for power here, dunamis, means miraculous ability, strength, and might. It is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11).
Jesus said:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”
— John 14:12
This is the divine transfer of authority. The mission continues through us.
The Spirit Gives Words and Guidance
In Matthew 10:19, Jesus said,
“But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak, for it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak.”
In context, this promise was for believers under persecution. Yet the principle behind it carries into every part of our lives. The same Holy Spirit who gives words in trial also gives words of comfort, wisdom, and truth in daily life.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
— John 14:26
“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”
— John 16:13
Whether we stand before enemies, before a hurting soul, or before God in prayer, the Spirit provides the words we need.
Have No Fear
Matthew 10:26–33 falls under the heading “Have No Fear.” That is no coincidence. Jesus just finished preparing His disciples for hostility and persecution. He knew fear would be the greatest enemy of faith.
“So have no fear of them… And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul… Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Fear dominates our world today. People steal, lie, and destroy out of fear: fear of lack, fear of rejection, fear of the future. But over and over again, Scripture tells us: Do not fear.
Fear blinds, controls, deceives, and destroys. But “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Jesus, the embodiment of perfect love, tells us not to fear because He has already overcome every cause of fear.
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33
A Fearful World Needs a Fearless Church
The world is drowning in fear, whether it be economic fear, political fear, social fear, and fear of the unknown. But the people of God are called to walk through this world with authority, compassion, and peace.
We must look upon the harassed and helpless not with judgment, but with the compassion of Christ. We must say, “Lord, send me,” and step forward with courage.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
This is the time for believers to rise, to take up their cross, and to say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
The same Spirit who gave words to the apostles, the same power that raised Jesus, and the same authority that healed the sick now dwells in us.
The harvest is still plentiful. The lost are still harassed and helpless. And the Lord of the harvest is still calling for laborers who will go without fear and bring His love to a desperate world.
A Call to Salvation
When we look around at this world, it is easy to feel the weight of helplessness. We see broken systems, hurting families, and people led by fear instead of faith. But the truth is, no government, no policy, and no human effort can fix what is spiritually broken.
Only Jesus Christ can.
He is the Shepherd the helpless are searching for. He is the Truth that cuts through deception. He is the Light that drives out darkness. He is the only One who can transform a fearful heart into a fearless vessel of His love.
If you have felt that heaviness while hearing of others’ pain, or if you feel hopeless about the state of the world, know this—there is help, hope, and healing in Jesus Christ.
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
Jesus died on the cross for our sins, took the punishment we deserved, and rose again so that we could live in freedom and eternal life. He offers forgiveness, peace, and power to all who believe.
The same power that gives believers authority over darkness can also give you new life today. You can receive that life right now by turning to Him in faith.
Prayer for Salvation
If you are ready to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, pray this from your heart:
Heavenly Father,
I come to You in the name of Jesus. I know that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for my sins, and that He rose again on the third day.I ask You to forgive me, cleanse me, and make me new. I turn from my old ways and invite Jesus to be the Lord of my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and empower me to live for You.
Thank You, Father, for saving me. From this day forward, I belong to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Final Thoughts
If you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, Scripture says:
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
— Romans 10:9
Welcome to the family of God. You are no longer harassed and helpless. You are found, loved, and sent.
Now take this hope, this power, and this compassion that Christ has given you, and bring it to others who are broken and afraid. The same Jesus who saved you wants to reach the world through you.
Until next time, my friend.
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