Jesus was often moved with compassion for people in need. He saw the crowds as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He called upon his disciples to pray, yes to pray for workers. They prayed – and shortly thereafter were sent to proclaim the good news of the gospel to the lost sheep. They were told this mission would not be easy. They would be rejected by some. Yet they were to go, not fending for their own needs but the needs of others.
What does the compassionate heart of Jesus mean for us today as his disciples? Do we compromise the heart of Jesus?