Matthew 9:36: “When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”    Over the years, I have observed families, employees and churches who lacked shepherd leadership.  They simply did not have a leader willing to be out front leading the way forward, giving guidance and counsel, providing resources and instilling a confident and protected environment.  Throughout Scripture, the model and examples of shepherd leadership are carefully documented, both good and bad.  A shepherd simply takes care of his flock (followers) and leads them down the path on which they should go.  I was reared on a cattle and sheep ranch and know that sheep must have a leader to be protected or they will become harassed and helpless.  If they fall down in a trench, they often cannot get up without help from a shepherd.

This is exactly what Jesus was seeing with the crowds as he looked upon them.  He looked upon them as sheep without a shepherd and knew they would be harassed and helpless.  He was the Good Shepherd and gave us the example to follow as we lead others.  He was calling us to be shepherd leader and stressed the critical responsibility and analogy of our leading those whom God has given us to lead.  In Biblical times, sheep always knew the voice of their shepherd and only followed his command and lead.  Those whom we lead should know our voice because they see us as a loving shepherd who cares for them and protects them from harassment and helplessness.  Question:  “Are you a shepherd leader with compassion for those whom you lead?”