The Compassionate Shepherd

Matthew 9:35-38 serves as a transition to the next section of Matthew's Gospel. In chapter 10, Christ will gather the twelve disciples to instruct them and send them out to proclaim the Gospel to the nation of Israel. Before He instructs them, however, the most important thing Jesus wants His disciples to learn s what His heart is all about. Christ's heart is primarily a heart of compassion that yearns and breaks for people ravaged by sin. And if we're going to imitate the mission of Christ, we must have the heart of Christ!

Theme: Our motivation for faithful proclamation of the Gospel is rooted in deep compassion and stimulated by earnest prayer.

1. Proclaim Faithfully, As Jesus Proclaimed (35)
2. Perceive Deeply, As Jesus Perceived (36)
3. Pray Eagerly, As Jesus Prescribed (37-38)