Matthew 9:36 Complete Jewish Bible
³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  source

This is an avenue under construction; let me give you what I have so far.

How does GOD see people?

Clearly here He sees people who have yet to come to Him for salvation and relationship as sheep without a shepherd; as harried and helpless. 
What is harried, anyway? 

Harried people are marked by disturbance, distress, exhaustion due to demands, criticism, harassment. 
Battered and buffeted. source

That’s well descriptive, isn’t it? 

And helpless too.

Sheep without a Shepherd.

No wonder JESUS came. 
He could not bear to see us without help and hope. 

What is it like for sheep without a shepherd?

Allow me to list what little I know and then let me invite you to seek THE SHEPHERD for what more He has to say to you. 

Sheep with no shepherd have
no protection from predators
no protection from the elements (wind, rain, heat, cold, etc.)
no help finding food or water
no healing from parasites, nose flies, and other injuries and diseases.

How does that translate to people without JESUS?

No defense against the accusations of the evil one
No shelter – no refuge from the coming storm, or eternal damnation because of sin
No Healer for all the harried-ness in this world
No Helper with the buzzing in our heads

What would you add to that list? 

Do YOU have The Shepherd?

Is Psalm 23 YOUR Psalm?