When [Jesus] saw the crowd he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.1
Are not humans endowed with the most powerful brain and with the ability to reason—to choose between right and wrong? We are unlike animals that go about their existence purely by instinct. Yet, we are compared to sheep—could be among the dumbest of animal. Perhaps rightly so? Consider how Scripture describes us. How then can man be in the right before God? How can he who was born of woman be pure?2 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.3 The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.4
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.5 Indeed, where are the laborers? After having received the good news with joy, have they gone away? Or are they simply content in their own comfort? Or have they been shipwrecked?
Before Jesus’ death his disciples all abandoned him. And after Jesus died the disciples were disillusioned; they went back to their old ways and went fishing. But there was nothing there to return to. They were actually set up (although they didn’t recognize him yet)!6 He gave instructions to Peter to cast his net on the other side. Though hesitantly, Peter obliged. When they got a miraculous catch, their eyes were opened.7 They saw him by the beach with fish roasting and bread. Jesus said to them, “Come have breakfast.”8 Pointedly yet gently, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” “Feed my sheep,” respectively.9
God simply needs a remnant, those who have died to self and know that the life they live is no longer theirs. And the life they now live is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved them and gave himself for them.10 Are you among those who say, “Here I am! Send me.”11?
Notes:
1. Matt 9:36
2. Job 25:4
3. Romans 3:23
4. 2 Peter 2:22
5. Matthew 9:37
6. John 21:3-5
7. John 21:6-8
8. John 21:9-13
9. John 21:15-17
10. Galatians 2:20
11. Isaiah 6:8
