And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Jesus' response to the gathered crowds reveals His heart. 'When he came out' (ἐξελθὼν, exelthōn)—disembarking from the boat, Jesus encountered the crowd that outran Him. 'Saw much people' (εἶδεν πολὺν ὄχλον, eiden polyn ochlon) notes the multitude's size. 'Was moved with compassion' (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, esplanchnisthē) uses strong Greek verb σπλαγχνίζομαι (splanchnizomai), literally 'felt it in the guts'—deep, visceral compassion. This wasn't mere sentiment but profound emotional response to their need.
'Because they were as sheep not having a shepherd' (ὅτι ἦσαν ὡς πρόβατα μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα, hoti ēsan hōs probata mē echonta poimena) echoes Old Testament imagery (Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; Ezekiel 34:5). Israel's religious leaders had failed their shepherding responsibility, leaving people spiritually directionless and vulnerable. 'He began to teach them many things' (ἤρξατο διδάσκειν αὐτοὺς πολλά, ērxato didaskein autous polla)—despite needing rest, Jesus prioritized their spiritual need. This demonstrates Christ's shepherding heart: compassion producing action, recognizing that teaching God's word addresses humanity's deepest need. The scene establishes Jesus as the Good Shepherd who, unlike Israel's failed leaders, genuinely cares for and feeds His flock.
Historical Context
The shepherd-sheep metaphor was rich in Old Testament background. God was Israel's shepherd (Psalm 23; 80:1), and He appointed leaders as under-shepherds to care for His people. Prophets condemned Israel's leaders as false shepherds who neglected, exploited, and scattered the flock (Jeremiah 23:1-4; Ezekiel 34:1-10). By Jesus' time, religious leadership had become corrupted—Pharisees and Sadducees prioritized tradition, political power, and wealth above caring for people's souls. The masses were burdened with legalistic requirements yet starved for genuine spiritual nourishment. Jesus' compassion contrasted sharply with religious leaders' indifference or exploitation. The phrase 'began to teach them many things' indicates extended teaching session—hours of instruction. In the feeding miracle that follows, Jesus provides both spiritual food (teaching) and physical food (bread and fish), demonstrating He cares for whole persons. Early church applied this shepherd imagery to Christ and church leaders—pastors ('shepherds') must model Jesus' compassionate teaching ministry, feeding souls with God's word rather than exploiting the flock.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jesus' visceral compassion for spiritually neglected crowds challenge our own response to people in spiritual darkness and confusion?
What does Jesus' prioritizing teaching over His own rest reveal about the primacy of God's word in addressing humanity's deepest needs?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Jesus' response to the gathered crowds reveals His heart. 'When he came out' (ἐξελθὼν, exelthōn)—disembarking from the boat, Jesus encountered the crowd that outran Him. 'Saw much people' (εἶδεν πολὺν ὄχλον, eiden polyn ochlon) notes the multitude's size. 'Was moved with compassion' (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, esplanchnisthē) uses strong Greek verb σπλαγχνίζομαι (splanchnizomai), literally 'felt it in the guts'—deep, visceral compassion. This wasn't mere sentiment but profound emotional response to their need.
'Because they were as sheep not having a shepherd' (ὅτι ἦσαν ὡς πρόβατα μὴ ἔχοντα ποιμένα, hoti ēsan hōs probata mē echonta poimena) echoes Old Testament imagery (Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; Ezekiel 34:5). Israel's religious leaders had failed their shepherding responsibility, leaving people spiritually directionless and vulnerable. 'He began to teach them many things' (ἤρξατο διδάσκειν αὐτοὺς πολλά, ērxato didaskein autous polla)—despite needing rest, Jesus prioritized their spiritual need. This demonstrates Christ's shepherding heart: compassion producing action, recognizing that teaching God's word addresses humanity's deepest need. The scene establishes Jesus as the Good Shepherd who, unlike Israel's failed leaders, genuinely cares for and feeds His flock.