Matthew 9:35-38, The Harvest is Plentiful, the Laborers Few

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Comments

Jesus’ ministry had a simple model: teach God’s Word, proclaim the good news of God’s presence on earth, and heal what corrupted and afflicted those created in God’s image. Jesus used an Old Testament metaphor from the prophet Ezekiel of the people being sheep who need a good shepherd but find themselves unattended.

He encouraged his disciples to model his ministry because more and more people were ready to respond to the gospel, ready to be rescued from judgment. Today the harvest is still plentiful. Are you committed to Jesus? Pray to the Lord of the harvest to be his laborer.

Prayer

Father God, I look out and see people all around me needing to be rescued and healed. I want to work for you that your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.