Compare Elisha's response to Jesus' compassion in Matthew 9:36. What similarities exist? Scene Setting • Matthew 9:36 records Jesus surveying weary, leader-less crowds: “He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” • Elisha’s ministry (2 Kings 4–8) repeatedly shows a prophet who sees Israel’s pain and steps in. Snapshots of Elisha’s Compassionate Response • 2 Kings 4:1-7 – A destitute widow cries out. Elisha’s first words: “How can I help you?” He multiplies her oil so her sons are freed from debt. • 2 Kings 4:32-36 – A dead boy lies on a bed. Elisha shuts the door, prays, stretches himself on the child, and God restores life. • 2 Kings 4:42-44 – One small offering feeds a hundred. Elisha insists: “Give it to the people so they may eat,” and there is surplus. • 2 Kings 6:15-17 – A terrified servant sees only enemy horses. Elisha calms him: “Do not be afraid…,” then prays his eyes be opened to heaven’s armies. • 2 Kings 8:11-12 – Elisha locks eyes with Hazael, foresees Israel’s future suffering, and weeps openly: “Because I know the evil you will do to the children of Israel.” What Jesus Does in Matthew 9:36 • He notices the crowds. • He feels deep, gut-level compassion (Greek: splanchnizomai—an inner stirring). • He identifies the root need: no shepherd. • He immediately strategizes help (vv. 37-38): calls for laborers to enter the harvest. Shared Threads of Compassion • Seeing before acting – Elisha “saw” the widow’s plight, the servant’s fear, Israel’s future tears. – Jesus “saw the crowds” and recognized their lost condition. • Deep emotional stirring – Elisha weeps (2 Kings 8:11-12). – Jesus is “moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36). • Prayer precedes provision – Elisha prays over the boy and for opened eyes (4:33; 6:17). – Jesus tells disciples to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest” (Matthew 9:38). • Miraculous, tangible help – Oil multiplied, child raised, food multiplied. – Jesus proceeds in the next chapters to heal, feed, and shepherd. • Shepherd-like leadership – Elisha guides kings (2 Kings 3; 6), disciples prophets, and protects Israel. – Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), gathering and guiding. • Concern for both physical and spiritual welfare – Elisha addresses hunger, debt, fear, death, and impending judgment. – Jesus meets bodily needs yet focuses on souls “harassed and helpless.” Takeaway for Today The prophet and the Messiah display the heart of the same covenant-keeping God—eyes open to suffering, hearts moved, prayers lifted, and decisive actions taken to rescue, restore, and shepherd His people. |
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