Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 9:36

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd." — Matthew 9:36 (ASV)

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

The sight that Christ saw with his eye deeply affected his heart: He was moved with compassion on them. The expression is a very strong one indicating that his whole being was stirred with an emotion which put every faculty into forceful movement.

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

A great crowd calls for compassion, because it suggests so much sin and need. In this case, their great need was instruction: "they fainted" for lack of comfort; they "were scattered abroad" for lack of guidance. They were eager to learn, but they had no suitable teachers.

"Sheep having no shepherd" are in a poor condition. Unfed, outside the fold, unguarded—what will become of them?

Our Lord was stirred with a feeling that agitated His inmost soul. "He was moved with compassion." What He saw affected not His eye only, but His heart. He was overcome by sympathy. His whole frame was stirred with an emotion that put every faculty into forceful movement.

Even now, He is affected toward our people in the same way. He is moved with compassion if we are not.

A great crowd is a demand upon compassion, for it suggests so much sin and need. In this case, the great need was instruction; they fainted for lack of comfort. They were scattered abroad for lack of guidance. They were eager to learn, but they had no fit teachers. Sheep having no shepherd are in a poor condition. Unfed, unfolded, unguarded, what will become of them?

Our Lord was stirred with a feeling which agitated His inmost soul. He was moved with compassion. What He saw affected not His eye only, but His heart. He was overcome by sympathy. His whole frame was stirred with an emotion which put every faculty into forceful movement. He is even now affected towards our people in the same manner. He is moved with compassion if we are not.