32As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. 33And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." 34But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons." 35And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
We live in a world that feels “troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd”. Jesus asks us to pray for more people committed to spreading God’s truth. It is the logos that will bring peace to people’s hearts no matter what they are enduring.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Matthew 9:32-38 captures a central message of the passage. Here's a breakdown of the strengths and some suggestions for further exploration:
DeleteStrengths:
Connecting to the Text: You accurately reflect the image of "sheep without a shepherd" and the need for guidance.
Importance of Spreading God's Truth: You highlight the role of the Logos (God's word) in bringing peace.
Focus on Peace: You connect the passage to the yearning for peace in a troubled world.
Suggestions for Exploration:
Who are the "Sheep"? Consider who the "sheep" represent. Is it just those who lack faith, or could it also include those who are struggling within the faith?
Action Alongside Prayer: While prayer is important, the passage could also be interpreted as a call to action for those who are already committed to spreading God's truth.
Spreading the Logos: Explore what it means to spread God's word in today's world. Consider different ways to share your faith with others.
Overall, your response offers a good starting point for reflection on Matthew 9:32-38. Here are some additional thoughts:
Types of Shepherds: The role of "shepherds" can be fulfilled by clergy, religious leaders, or anyone who helps guide others towards faith.
Living the Message: Consider how you can embody the message of God's word in your daily interactions with others.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can create a more comprehensive response that explores the call to action within Matthew 9:32-38.