Matthew 9:36 - Harassed And Helpless

[subllibrm]

In the ESV it uses the words harassed and helpless to describe the people that Jesus had compassion for.

Heard a very interesting take on what is implied by helpless. I would be interested to know what you all think was the problem that brought Jesus to have compassion for them.

 

[Smellin Coffee]

I'd like to hear it if you would like to share. I'm sure biscuit thinks I would suggest it is the #BlackLivesMatter group.



Seems to me the previous statement identifies who the helpless and harassed were:

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

The diseased and afflicted were generally harassed (if not completely ignored) and since the afflictions seem to be medical in nature, were unable to be healed themselves.

I'm not 'sold' on this context but this is how it appears to me.

 

[subllibrm]

The primary thought was that the same language is used elsewhere in the form of cast down. That led to an explanation of a sheep that is cast down. 

Here is another source for the same point:

http://odb.org/2009/08/28/cast-down-sheep/

"Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, and the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a ?cast down? position."

 

[Smellin Coffee]

The primary thought was that the same language is used elsewhere in the form of cast down. That led to an explanation of a sheep that is cast down. 

Here is another source for the same point:

http://odb.org/2009/08/28/cast-down-sheep/

"Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, and the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a ?cast down? position."

Thanks! Interesting perspective.

What is also interesting about this passage is the next two verses:

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.?

The context is not primarily about verbal evangelism but rather praying for those 'cast down' sheep to be sent laborers (shepherds) to help them back on their feet. And yes, this could include evangelism but is not solely about evangelism.

 

[subllibrm]

The primary thought was that the same language is used elsewhere in the form of cast down. That led to an explanation of a sheep that is cast down. 

Here is another source for the same point:

http://odb.org/2009/08/28/cast-down-sheep/

"Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, and the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a ?cast down? position."

Thanks! Interesting perspective.

What is also interesting about this passage is the next two verses:

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.?

The context is not primarily about verbal evangelism but rather praying for those 'cast down' sheep to be sent laborers (shepherds) to help them back on their feet. And yes, this could include evangelism but is not solely about evangelism.

It changes the narrative significantly from the "pull yourself up", "you have no one to blame but yourself", "you made this mess, get yourself out and then we will talk" mentality prevalent in the church today. Rugged individualism has replaced the idea of community as the goal of a believer. The American dream has in many ways poisoned the church.

 

[rsc2a]

The primary thought was that the same language is used elsewhere in the form of cast down. That led to an explanation of a sheep that is cast down. 

Here is another source for the same point:

http://odb.org/2009/08/28/cast-down-sheep/

"Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, and the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a ?cast down? position."

Thanks! Interesting perspective.

What is also interesting about this passage is the next two verses:

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.?

The context is not primarily about verbal evangelism but rather praying for those 'cast down' sheep to be sent laborers (shepherds) to help them back on their feet. And yes, this could include evangelism but is not solely about evangelism.

It changes the narrative significantly from the "pull yourself up", "you have no one to blame but yourself", "you made this mess, get yourself out and then we will talk" mentality prevalent in the church today. Rugged individualism has replaced the idea of community as the goal of a believer. The American dream has in many ways poisoned the church.

Liberal.

 

[subllibrm]

Liberal.

Don't blame me, Jesus is the one who had compassion on them. 

 

[praise_yeshua]

Liberal.

Don't blame me, Jesus is the one who had compassion on them. 

Quit talking to yourself!!!

 

[praise_yeshua]

The primary thought was that the same language is used elsewhere in the form of cast down. That led to an explanation of a sheep that is cast down. 

Here is another source for the same point:

http://odb.org/2009/08/28/cast-down-sheep/

"Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, and the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a ?cast down? position."

Thanks! Interesting perspective.

What is also interesting about this passage is the next two verses:

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.?

The context is not primarily about verbal evangelism but rather praying for those 'cast down' sheep to be sent laborers (shepherds) to help them back on their feet. And yes, this could include evangelism but is not solely about evangelism.

It changes the narrative significantly from the "pull yourself up", "you have no one to blame but yourself", "you made this mess, get yourself out and then we will talk" mentality prevalent in the church today. Rugged individualism has replaced the idea of community as the goal of a believer. The American dream has in many ways poisoned the church.

Jesus had some rather sad things to say to freeloaders....

Joh 6:26  Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

There are always going to be those who want to ride the charitable system. Jesus doesn't respond well to those people. Just pay attention to the Scriptures and you'll see God expecting those he helps... to help themselves where possible. There are too many liberal freeloaders around who think they know something about theology. They don't!!!!

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

Harassed and Helpless --- that pretty much describes everyone except white Christian people, if you go by Liberal definitions. 

 

[praise_yeshua]

i have always been surprised at the number of non-bible readers who are shocked to learn that the phrase .."God helps them who help themselves..".... is not in the bible......... some of the people who thought it was in there actually claimed to be devout christians........

but what;s troubling about that is the number of christians familiar with the bible.... who are fully aware that phrase is not in the bible..... but who live and treat others as if they think it is inspired scripture anyway........

God certainly helps those that can't help themselves. However, I don't think the Scriptures teach that a follower of Christ should constantly rely on God and others to do what they can do themselves. The Scriptures are full of examples where God doesn't take "kindly" to those who don't take care of their own. Paul even went as far as to say that a man who didn't take of his own was worse than a infidel. Paul even admonished others....setting rules for "widows" who were "widows indeed". Those that should be helped by their own families instead of relying on others to take care of them.

I'm all for helping those who can't help themselves and even, at times, helping those that can help themselves. However, its not the responsibility of the body of Christ to become a "meal ticket" to those who are looking for a free ride from some charitable organization. Jesus left a crowd of people in John 6 that only followed him because he could feed them... The church is full with those that have this mentality. They are only in it for what they can get out of it. When they stop getting something, or better yet..... asked to return the favor!!!!...... they "skedaddle".

I'm surprised at the people who have never read John 6 and pretend Jesus never turned anyone away other than the Pharisees.... I know better. I've read a few verses myself.

I've found that liberals only know a verse or two from the Scriptures. They only quote what they want to quote and ignore the rest. They could really care less what the Scriptures say. They're only using it to their own advantage.

 

[rsc2a]

However, I don't think the Scriptures teach that a follower of Christ should constantly rely on God...

:-\

 

[praise_yeshua]

However, I don't think the Scriptures teach that a follower of Christ should constantly rely on God...

:-\

Why are you being so dishonest?

I said.....

I don't think the Scriptures teach that a follower of Christ should constantly rely on God and others to do what they can do themselves.

and... you wonder why I have such a hard time with you? You are one of the most dishonest people I have ever meet. I try to get along with you. I want to get along with you...... but its IMPOSSIBLE when you do what you just did!!!!

 

[rsc2a]

However, I don't think the Scriptures teach that a follower of Christ should constantly rely on God...

:-\

Why are you being so dishonest?

I said.....

I don't think the Scriptures teach that a follower of Christ should constantly rely on God and others to do what they can do themselves.

I can do nothing without God. Maybe you've attained deity status?

 

[praise_yeshua]

I can do nothing without God. Maybe you've attained deity status?

What a buffoon. Can you wipe the brown stain off your rearend without the helping hand of God?

Yes. Without God nothing can exist. However, this wasn't within the context of my comments. You're such a dishonest hack. The "lilies of the field" neither "toil or spin" but the prodigal son certainly got his fill of the pig pin.

"Sell everything you have and follow Jesus"........ be sure to give all the proceeds away to your favorite liberal charity. That way you can at least get credit for it. Maybe they'll talk of just how nice you were when your family ends up down at social services.

 

[Smellin Coffee]

Hey Republican governors! Remember the words Jesus said? You know, the words you claim you want our country to live by?

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

 

[praise_yeshua]

Hey Republican governors! Remember the words Jesus said? You know, the words you claim you want our country to live by?

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

You got some coming and staying with you????

You should volunteer to keep some ISIS fighters.

Luk 12:39  And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

 

[The Rogue Tomato]

Hey Republican governors! Remember the words Jesus said? You know, the words you claim you want our country to live by?

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

 

[Smellin Coffee]

You should volunteer to keep some ISIS fighters.

If they are ISIS fighters, they wouldn't be refugees.

 

[praise_yeshua]

You should volunteer to keep some ISIS fighters.

If they are ISIS fighters, they wouldn't be refugees.

You can't tell the difference.