Come Be My Follower - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site

Take the initiative to help those in need
for God. But Jesus had another motive: Heartfelt compassion
moved him to respond to the spiritual needs of
others. Of all the ways that he showed compassion, none
were more important than satisfying the spiritual hunger
of others. Let us examine two incidents that reveal
how Jesus viewed the people to whom he preached. Such
a consideration can help us to analyze our own motives
for sharing in the public ministry.
15 In 31 C.E., after about two years of exerting himself
vigorously in the ministry, Jesus expanded his efforts
by embarking “on a tour of all the cities and villages”
of Galilee. What he saw touched his heart. The apostle
Matthew reports: “On seeing the crowds he felt pity for
them, because they were skinned and thrown about like
sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:35, 36) Jesus felt
for the common people. He was keenly aware of their
miserable spiritual condition. He knew that they were
mistreated and utterly neglected by the very ones who
15, 16. Describe two incidents that reveal how Jesus viewed the people
to whom he preached.