Harassed and Helpless
Jo Acharya | January 21, 2025
Harassed and helpless.
Distressed and downcast.
Worried. Hurting. Weary. Bewildered.
Do these words sound familiar? They are from Matthew 9:36 in different Bible translations, and they describe how Jesus saw the people in front of him.
‘When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.’ (NIV)
Jesus sees our stress and our pain, and he has compassion on us. Not only that – he knows what it is we need.
We need a shepherd. A good shepherd, who will lead us by quiet waters and guide us along right paths. A faithful shepherd, whose goodness and mercy will follow us even through the dark valleys of our lives. (Psalm 23)
Whatever the new year holds for each of us, Jesus is the gentle shepherd who walks with us and has compassion on us, saying, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32, NIV)
Subscribers can download this printable Luke 12:32 verse card on our free gifts page. Join our email list to gain access to this and all our free gifts here.