Compassionate Mission: Sharing Hope in Community

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus’ Compassion for the Lost and Hurting

Jesus looks upon the crowds and feels deep compassion for them, seeing their distress and dejection as they wander like sheep without a shepherd. He is moved not by judgment but by a profound empathy for their pain, longing to offer them hope, guidance, and healing. This compassion is not reserved for a select few but extends to all, regardless of background or circumstance, and it is the foundation for everything He calls His followers to do. As you consider the world around you, remember that Jesus’ heart breaks for those who are lost, overwhelmed, and burdened, and He invites you to share in that same concern for others. [24:53]

Matthew 9:35-36 (ESV)
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Reflection: Who in your life do you see struggling or feeling lost, and how can you show them the compassion of Jesus in a tangible way this week?

Day 2: The Mission Begins with Prayer and Humility

Before sending His followers out, Jesus instructs them to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers, emphasizing that the mission is God’s and begins with humble dependence on Him. The call is not for experts or those with all the answers, but for faithful, willing workers who are ready to be moved out of their comfort zones. True mission starts with prayerful surrender, asking God to ignite a passion in our hearts and to thrust us into the places where we are needed most, trusting that He is already at work in the world around us. [36:46]

Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV)
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Reflection: Are you willing to pray for God to move you out of your comfort zone and into His mission field? What specific step of obedience can you take in response to that prayer?

Day 3: We Are Sent with Jesus’ Authority to Meet Real Needs

Jesus gives His disciples authority to address the real and present needs of those around them, not just to preach but to bring healing, hope, and practical help. While we may not perform miracles in the same way, we are still called to step into the hurts and struggles of others, offering the love and care of Christ in whatever ways we can. Our mission is not about convincing people with eloquent words, but about being present, listening, and serving with the authority and compassion Jesus has given us. [43:29]

Matthew 10:1 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can meet a need or bring comfort to someone in your community this week, showing them the love and authority of Jesus?

Day 4: The Great Commission—Making Disciples Together

Jesus’ final command to His followers is to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them, with the promise that He is always with us. This mission is not a solo endeavor; we are sent out in community, supporting one another as we invite others to follow Jesus with us. The heart of the Great Commission is not just about programs or activities, but about intentionally walking alongside others, sharing life, and helping them discover the fullness of life in Christ. [44:36]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Who can you intentionally invite to walk with you in following Jesus, and how can you encourage them in their journey of faith this week?

Day 5: The Joy and Urgency of Inviting Others to the Table

Our excitement for Jesus and the life He offers should surpass our enthusiasm for any other passion or interest, compelling us to invite others to experience His goodness with us. The mission is not about building a following for ourselves, but about sharing the joy of knowing the Good Shepherd and welcoming others into His family. As we remember what Christ has done for us, we are called to live with purpose, inviting others to the table, and participating in the ongoing story of God’s grace and redemption. [52:12]

Psalm 34:8 (ESV)
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Reflection: What is one way you can share your excitement for Jesus with someone this week, inviting them to “taste and see” His goodness for themselves?

Sermon Summary

So often, we find it easy to talk about the things we love—our hobbies, our favorite books, the games we play, or the teams we follow. We naturally want to share these joys with others, to invite them into our passions and build community around them. Yet, when it comes to sharing the hope and life we have found in Jesus, many of us feel hesitant, ill-equipped, or even fearful. The call to make disciples and share the good news can seem daunting, especially when we compare it to the ease with which we talk about lesser things.

But Jesus models a different approach. As he traveled through towns and villages, he didn’t just preach; he met people in their pain, offering healing and compassion. He saw the crowds—distressed, dejected, like sheep without a shepherd—and his response was not condemnation, but a deep, gut-level compassion. He longed for them to have guidance, hope, and true leadership. This is the heart that must motivate us: not a desire to correct or judge, but a genuine concern for the well-being of those around us.

Jesus then turns to his disciples and points out the abundance of the harvest—the many who are ready to receive hope—but laments the scarcity of workers. He doesn’t call for experts or leaders, but for faithful, humble workers willing to be thrust out of their comfort zones. The mission is not about our eloquence or expertise, but about our willingness to be sent, to show up, and to care. Jesus gives authority to his followers, not so they can boast, but so they can meet real needs and point people to the true Shepherd.

We are reminded that the mission is not a solo endeavor. Jesus sends his disciples out in community, supporting one another, aware of their imperfections. The call is not to build a following around ourselves or our interests, but to invite others into the journey of following Jesus—the one who offers life to the full. Before we can invite others, we must first ensure we are following him ourselves, growing in our own discipleship, and letting our excitement for him surpass all other passions.

Ultimately, the church thrives when it lives on mission, fueled by compassion and purpose. We are called to pray for God to thrust us out, to open our eyes to those who need a shepherd, and to step forward in faith, trusting that he is already at work in the lives of those around us.

Key Takeaways

1. True mission begins with compassion, not condemnation. Jesus’ response to the lost and hurting was a deep, visceral compassion—a longing for their healing and guidance, not a desire to point out their failures. Our motivation for sharing the good news must be rooted in this same heart, seeing people as Jesus sees them and caring deeply about their struggles and needs. [26:29]
2. The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few—and they are ordinary. Jesus doesn’t call for experts or spiritual elites, but for humble, faithful workers willing to be sent. The mission field is not reserved for those with special qualifications; it is for anyone willing to step out of comfort and into obedience, trusting God to use them. [35:10]
3. We are sent not to build followers for ourselves, but to point people to the Good Shepherd. The goal is not to make others like us or to gather people around our interests, but to invite them into the life and hope found in Jesus. Our role is to walk alongside others, sharing in their journey and pointing them to the one who truly leads and restores. [33:08]
4. Mission is sustained by prayerful dependence and willingness to be thrust out. Jesus instructs his disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers—literally to thrust them out of comfort and into the field. Effective mission is not about clever strategies or programs, but about surrendering to God’s leading, allowing him to move us where we are needed most. [38:06]
5. Discipleship and mission flourish in community, not isolation. Jesus sent his followers out together, supporting one another in their imperfections and struggles. We are not meant to carry the mission alone; we need each other for encouragement, accountability, and shared purpose as we invite others into the journey of following Jesus. [47:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:05] - Opening Reflections: Made for More
[09:25] - Hobbies, Passions, and Sharing What We Love
[13:52] - Transitioning to Jesus’ Mission
[16:01] - Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:35–10:4
[18:09] - Jesus’ Ministry: Healing and Humility
[21:23] - The Intentional Structure of Matthew
[22:32] - Jesus’ Compassion for the Crowds
[24:25] - Sheep Without a Shepherd: The Need for Guidance
[28:36] - The Motivation for Mission: Compassion, Not Condemnation
[34:08] - The Abundant Harvest and the Call for Workers
[36:02] - Prayerful Dependence in Mission
[38:06] - Being Thrust Out of Comfort
[42:33] - Authority to Meet Needs
[45:24] - The Twelve Apostles: Imperfect Workers
[48:10] - The Heart of Mission: Do We Care?
[51:43] - Personal Reflections on Discipleship and Mission
[53:39] - Baptism and the Ripple Effect of Discipleship
[55:04] - The Church’s Life in Mission
[59:59] - Communion: Remembering Our Motivation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 9:35–10:4 (CSB) — > Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” Summoning his twelve disciples, he gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

John 10:10–11 (CSB) — > “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Observation Questions

What did Jesus do as he traveled through the towns and villages, according to Matthew 9:35?
How did Jesus feel when he saw the crowds, and what words are used to describe the people?
What does Jesus say about the harvest and the workers in Matthew 9:37–38?
Who does Jesus give authority to, and what kind of people are listed among the twelve apostles? [45:24]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus’ first response to the crowds was compassion rather than condemnation? What does this reveal about his heart for people? [26:29]
The sermon mentioned that Jesus calls for “faithful, humble workers” rather than experts or spiritual elites. Why might this be significant for how we view our own role in God’s mission? [35:10]
In what ways does the image of people as “sheep without a shepherd” help us understand the needs of those around us today? [24:25]
The sermon emphasized that Jesus sent his disciples out together, not alone. Why is community important for living out our mission? [47:29]

Application Questions

The sermon compared how easily we talk about our hobbies or favorite things with how hesitant we can be to share about Jesus. What is one reason you personally find it easier to talk about other interests than your faith? How could you take a small step to change that this week? [13:52]
Jesus’ motivation for mission was deep compassion for hurting people. Think of someone in your life who seems “distressed and dejected.” What is one practical way you could show them compassion this week, even if you don’t talk about faith right away? [26:29]
The sermon said the “harvest is abundant, but the workers are few”—and that the workers are ordinary people, not experts. What is one area where you feel unqualified or afraid to step out in faith? How might God use you anyway? [35:10]
Jesus told his disciples to pray for God to “thrust out” workers into the harvest. What would it look like for you to pray this prayer honestly? Is there a comfort zone you sense God might be calling you to step out of? [38:06]
The sermon challenged us to make sure we are following Jesus ourselves before inviting others. How is your own discipleship going right now? Is there a next step you want to take to grow closer to Jesus? [48:39]
Jesus sent his followers out in community. Who are the people in your life you can lean on for encouragement and accountability as you live on mission? How can you support each other this week? [47:29]
The pastor shared a story about building community around games and interests, but realizing the deeper need to invite people into following Jesus. Is there a relationship in your life where you could be more intentional about sharing the hope you have in Christ? What might that look like? [51:43]

Sermon Clips

There are things that we have invested time, energy into, are knowledgeable about, or we find great joy in, that we get excited about, and we might do one of two things. Have an easy time carrying on a conversation, or try to convince people that they should love the thing that we love, too. Right? [00:12:27]

But for us, there's this tricky nature of we know we are called to go and make disciples. We know that we are supposed to want to share our faith. But many times we feel ill equipped. We feel insecure and uncertain. We're not really sure what that looks like, what that means. [00:15:00]

Sometimes it's easy to miss key words and phrases and things that are similar and remind us of other passages. So, or I say chapter 5, this is chapter four even right here at the end of chapter 4 verse 23. Now Jesus began to go all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news and healing every disease and sickness among the people. [00:19:01]

These Hebrew writers were very intentional about the things that they would link together, the ways that they would structure things because they knew that their readers, their listeners were supposed to be seeking out that information, finding those connections, looking for those hidden gems to get more out of it than we sometimes do. [00:21:18]

Jesus is going through towns and villages. He's not sticking to the big cities, the bigger areas. He is going into the smallest little villages. Continuing once again for Matthew to represent his humility and Matthew also reminding us that Jesus is speaking to the people that not everybody else would have sought out and spoke to. [00:22:00]

This healing here is this Greek word therapist. The the I looked it up so I wouldn't mess it up and I messed it up. Therapeus. This is basically like therapeutic. He says every twice, emphasizing that all human pain is important in what Jesus is dealing with. Healing every disease, healing every sickness, trying to be this therapy and this investment, this concern for these people's well-being. [00:22:36]

He sees these people wherever he goes. It's not just one place he's at. He's seeing these crowds wherever he goes. Word has spread around. People are coming out of the woodwork to find him. We've already been seeing these miracles he's performing. We were just told that there were some blind men he healed. [00:23:40]

They are dejected and distressed because they look to the spiritual leaders of the day who Jesus has already confronted many times telling them listen you are trying to teach such weighty things and you're hanging so much expectation and I see a people who are fearful of their spiritual leaders who feel like they can never measure up like they have failed throughout the history of their people to measure up and they've been exiled now they've been overrun and and now are being ruled ruled by Rome and they're feeling the hopelessness, the distress and the brokenness. [00:25:45]

We participated in it just as much as anybody else. And we are far from perfect. We have not yet achieved. Matthew actually continually reminds us of that. We'll get to more of that in a second. Matthew continues to present this gospel of humility where there's this even playing field where we all have to recognize none of us have achieved that goal and all of us have contributed to the brokenness and we have found this one who had compassion who is a good shepherd. [00:30:37]

The motivation for the mission has to be the same as Jesus. The motivation has to start with a concern for the people we are reaching out to, not a desire to tell them how terrible they are and why they need to be better. Jesus didn't look at the crowd and go, "These people are so sinful. I should just probably brush the dust off my sandals and head out the other way." [00:32:22]

We are not trying to make people who follow us. We are not trying to invite people to listen to how smart we are. We are not trying to convince people that I have all the answers and you have to listen to me quickly. I just want you to know there's this Jesus and he just hates to see you hurting. And so do I. [00:33:11]

But Jesus says, "Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest. This is his harvest. pray to the one who's in charge of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest. Now, we've done that before. I mean, I've been a part of services. I've been a part of teachings on this passage where I heard a pastor get up and say, "We need to be praying that God would raise up faithful people that would go out into this world and serve and do these things." [00:36:36]

To have the living God cast them out of their creature comforts and into the world of adventure and need into the breathtaking work of harvesting the field of God. They cast them out of their creature comforts because this is the reality that we're talking about. For many of us, there is fear. There are things that are crippling and uncertain. [00:38:36]

We may not be the one praying over and casting out a demon right away. And I'm not saying that we don't have that access through the Holy Spirit to something beyond ourselves, but sometimes we get so focused on that we miss the point that Jesus is addressing their need. And there are lots of ways we can meet the needs of people around us and simply listen and be therapeutic for them in whatever hurt they are facing. [00:43:37]

But first and foremost, it has to start with the heart of do we care that there are people who are lost and hurting and without a shepherd. If we care, we will find ourselves in this place where we know we have a shepherd. We find the joy of the shepherd and it hurts to think that they would be without him. [00:48:19]

We have been called to a mission. We've been asked to pray that we would be thrust out of our comfort zone into this mission field to help meet people where they are and introduce them to the shepherd that will never lead them astray. But we have to first start making sure we are on that journey ourselves and then start being intentional about saying I need to start seeking out those people who need a shepherd and finding ways to invite them into that with me because I care about them. [00:52:40]

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