Harassed And Helpless Series

This could mean that rejecting the work of Jesus Christ is basically attributing it to the god of this world—Satan. This isn’t ignorance but willful rejection.

35 – 38

Jesus taught from the Scriptures, proclaimed the good news about God’s kingdom, and healed. We do much the same thing as we go out and live our relationship with Jesus on the outside. We may not heal every physical affliction but we certainly see people’s lives healed as they come to know the Lord.

Notice what Matthew says about the people—harassed and helpless. Ever since the Garden of Eden, when we ceded authority over our lives to Lucifer, he has been harassing us, but we are helpless to get out from his grip. Sheep without a shepherd will wander aimlessly and fall into danger or fall prey to a predator. Jesus, the Great Shepherd, comes to lead us to life.

What He is looking for are those who will be willing to go along with Him and harvest souls, turning to another analogy, that are ready to be picked. It may not appear like it, but people for the most part are unhappy. Oh, they may fill their lives with activity or pleasure to keep them occupied, but it is only a temporary mask, like a sugar rush that must be constantly re-filled to keep the sugar crash from coming on. We would do well to realize that—in their heart of hearts; even the most avowed atheist is harassed and helpless and needs a shepherd.

Conclusions

Notice a couple of things here. First, Jesus was approached by people from both the top and the bottom of the social ladder. Jarius was clearly one of the most influential people in his community and should have no need to bow to anyone. The woman was an outcast—her issue of blood and the fact that she was a woman—would have made her an anathema to society. She had every need of someone but could reach out to no one.

Then along comes Jesus, who has compassion on both of them despite their social standing. Jesus knows that we too are harassed and helpless. The only difference here is that they reached out and Jesus met them and reached out to them.

Secondly, are you in a period of crisis right now? Do you feel reluctant to reach out to Jesus because you feel God doesn’t see, God doesn’t care, God can’t answer? Maybe you feel like you’ve blown it so much you don’t deserve to seek Jesus or maybe, just maybe, you feel you should be able to do it on your own without God’s help.

Jesus will say in chapter 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

But you’ve got to come. You’ve got to reach out. You’ve got to admit you need His help, humble yourself and stretch out. Jesus said “Do not fear, only believe.” Satan will use fear to keep you away and keep you from trusting God. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the future. Trust yourself enough into Jesus hands to trust Him no matter what.

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