Matthew 9:36

When he saw the multitudes. [Third Galilean Tour, Matt. 9:36 to 11:1=Mark 6:7—13=Luke 9:1-6. Major comment: Matthew. See Closing Galilean Ministry; The Ministry of Our Lord.] Thus Matthew begins his account of the Third Galilean Tour, which was conducted during the winter of A.D. 29-30 (see DA 359, 364; see on Mark 1:39). Little is said of events on the tour itself, almost all of the narrative being devoted to Christ’s instruction to the Twelve preparatory to sending them out. No particular incident is recorded so far as the disciples themselves are concerned, and the only experience recorded of Christ is His second visit to Nazareth (Matt. 13:54-58). For the relationship of the third tour to the two preceding tours see on Mark 1:39.

On the third tour the Twelve were to go out two by two and apply the principles they had observed in the ministry of Jesus. While the Twelve were thus engaged Jesus Himself went out, accompanied by many other disciples (see Luke 10:1; cf. DA 488). Reference to the “multitudes” points to another reason for the sending forth of the Twelve — the demands upon Christ during the second tour made it apparent that the “labourers” were too “few” (see Matt. 9:37). The third tour marked an important extension of Christ’s ministry (see DA 395).

Fainted. Literally, “were exhausted.” Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 146) the reading “distressed,” or “troubled.”

Scattered abroad. Gr. rhipto, “to cast down,” “to hurl,” or “to lay prostrate.” Apparently the people as a whole were so thoroughly downcast and dejected that they no longer were putting forth any effort to improve their religious condition. Things looked hopeless to them. The word rhipto thus does not refer so much to the scattering of the “sheep” as it does to their “prostrate” or “helpless” condition.

Having no shepherd. See Num. 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; Eze. 34:5. The undershepherds of Christ’s day had proved to be no more than hirelings (see John 10:12, 13), and when the Good Shepherd Himself came, He found His sheep scattered.