And Jesus, coming out, saw a great crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
This is a wonderful verse that opens the depth of Christ’s heart. He sees the crowd and has compassion on them. His compassion is not a superficial pity, but a deep spiritual mercy. He sees them as sheep that have no shepherd. This image expresses the people’s spiritual condition: without guidance, spiritually uncared for, wandering, and in the midst of dangers. Although they had religious leaders, they did not have true shepherding, because their leaders often laid heavy burdens on the people and did not lead them to the door of the living God. Christ responds first of all with teaching. This is very important. The first expression of His compassion is the word, because the deepest hunger of a person is spiritual. He begins to teach them many things. Where the world often sees only a crowd, Christ sees a flock that needs a shepherd, and as the true Shepherd He leads, cares for, and protects them.