Matthew 9:36

Matthew 9:36. But when he saw the multitudes. The original indicates that this was on a particular occasion.

He was moved with compassion. Popularity called forth pity. Our Lord's sympathy, like ours, was called forth by particular, passing events.

Because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd. A figure, showing the spiritual condition of the people. They were suffering (‘distressed') from the burdens put on them by those who pretended to be their shepherds, the scribes and Pharisees, and uncared for by these, they wandered (‘scattered') as sheep left to stray from the pasture. Their physical condition as He looked upon them doubtless made the figure especially apt. All who are without the good Shepherd are thus Spiritually vexed and abandoned.