How does Matthew 9:36 connect to Psalm 23's depiction of a shepherd? Tender Compassion in Matthew 9:36 “When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Shepherding Care in Psalm 23 • “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) • “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.” (Psalm 23:2) • “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) Overlapping Portraits of the Shepherd • Compassion vs. Need – Matthew: crowds “harassed and helpless.” – Psalm: sheep fully provided for, lacking nothing. • Guidance – Matthew: Jesus begins teaching and leading (vv. 37–38). – Psalm: the LORD “guides me in the paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3). • Protection – Matthew: healing every disease and affliction (v. 35). – Psalm: rod and staff that comfort in dark valleys. • Provision – Matthew: soon after, He feeds the five thousand (Matthew 14:13–21). – Psalm: table prepared, cup overflowing (Psalm 23:5). • Presence – Matthew: God-with-us standing among the multitudes. – Psalm: “You are with me.” Jesus Embodies Yahweh’s Shepherd Heart • By calling the people “sheep without a shepherd,” Jesus echoes Ezekiel 34:5–6, setting Himself up as the promised Shepherd-King. • John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” • Hebrews 13:20 calls Him “the great Shepherd of the sheep,” confirming His identity with the LORD of Psalm 23. From Need to Nourishment—A Contrast • Matthew 9 shows the dire condition of sheep lacking shepherding care. • Psalm 23 paints the opposite—what life looks like under perfect shepherding. • The hinge between the two is Jesus’ compassion: He steps in to turn the first scene into the second. Living Under the Shepherd Today • Receive His compassion—He still sees and cares (1 Peter 5:7). • Follow His guidance through His Word (John 10:27; Psalm 119:105). • Rest in His protection; no valley is shepherd-less (Romans 8:38–39). • Trust His provision; the Shepherd never fails (Philippians 4:19). |
    |