June 26

When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. — Matt 9:36 BSB

He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. The word "touched" expresses a profound truth—it means that our troubles are His troubles, and that in all our afflictions, He is afflicted. This is not a mere sentiment of sympathy but a true sharing of our suffering.

There is much comfort in this for the weary heart. This is the foundation of His priesthood, and God intends it to be a continual source of consolation for us. Let us grasp more fully our oneness with our Great High Priest and cast all our burdens onto His great heart of love. If we understand what it feels like to ache in every nerve for a suffering child, we can begin to grasp how deeply our sorrows touch His heart. Just as a mother feels her baby’s pain, and as the heart of friendship echoes every cry of another’s suffering, so does our exalted Savior, even amidst the joys of heaven, suffer in His Spirit with every pain His children bear on earth. Since we have such a great High Priest, let us come boldly to the throne of grace and take refuge in His compassion and strength.