Shepherding Series-2, “Like Sheep without a Shepherd”

Messenger: Mark Vucekovich (Chicago UBF Senior Pastor)

"LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD”

*Introduction to Shepherding Series 2025: https://www.chicagoubf.org/sermon/introduction-to-shepherding-series-2025

Matthew 9:35–38
Key Verse: 9:36, ^“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.“

1.  Review how the scribes and Pharisees had been responding to Jesus (3,11,34). What was their problem (3:7–10; 9:12–13,17)? 
2.  How is Jesus’ ministry described, and how does it differ from the Pharisees’ (35; 1:23; 2:6)? What does “proclaiming the good news of the kingdom” mean (3:2; 4:17)? Why is he healing every disease and affliction (12:18–21)? How can we imitate him today?
3.  How does Jesus see the crowds (36), and what does this show us about those times? Think about the meaning of: “harassed”; “helpless”; “like sheep without a shepherd” (Num.27:17). How might some people have seen such crowds? Why is it so important to see people with the compassion of Jesus?
4.  What does Jesus say to his disciples (37)? What does he mean by “the harvest” (John 4:35)? What does it mean to be a “laborer,” and why are they so few? What else does Jesus tell his disciples (38)? How and why should we be praying this today?