When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
In the classic movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, one scene in particular always brings a smile to my face. George Bailey’s little girl Zuzu brings home a rose from school, but she is heartbroken when some of the petals fall off. She knows she can’t fix it, so she turns to her daddy for help. She pleads, “Look Daddy, paste it!” And George, even though he is in the middle of the worst crisis of his life, tenderly sets everything aside to give Zuzu his full attention. He pretends to fix the flower, then settles his little girl into bed.
How like Zuzu we are! We are created for connection with God and with each other, and that connection, when it happens, is beautiful! Unfortunately, sin destroys that connection. Our self-centered nature rips apart the very relationships that are most important to us. And we are heartbroken.
We try to repair the brokenness in our lives, but we can’t. So we cry out to God, “Look Daddy, fix it!” And He does. He gives us Jesus.
Jesus sees you in the crowd and has compassion for you. He understands how harassed and helpless, and how lost and directionless you feel. He knows how much you need someone to step into your life and “fix it.”
And even on the worst day of His life, Jesus set aside everything to give you His full attention and “fix it” for you.
That’s what the cross is all about. And when on the cross Jesus looks at you and says, “Father forgive him,” or “Father, forgive her,” that’s exactly what happens. God restores our connection with Him and empowers us to reconnect with each other.
Prayer: Daddy, look at the mess I’ve made of things. Thank you for your promise to fix everything – in Jesus
– Contributed by Pastor Stephen Moser
Bible Reading
Read Matthew 9 and record any insights you gain here.
Call to Connection
Reflect on the people who have consistently pointed you to God’s Word and answered your faith questions. Reach out and thank someone who has been influential in your faith journey today.