God desires us to earnestly ask Him for more workers for the harvest and to actively participate in that work by following the example of Jesus.
Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Look to Jesus as our example: What do we see here?
1. Jesus went to the people, he did not wait for them to come to him.
2. Jesus was aware of the condition of the people
-
- They were “Confused & Helpless” meaning, they were “harassed, troubled, faint, tired, gone astray (without a shepherd), a plague, ravaged by wolves, beaten down by weariness: to give one’s self trouble
- They were “Like sheep without a Shepherd”
3. Jesus had compassion. He was “moved in his guts/bowels or stirred deep inside” (the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity). Compassion involves identifying with the situation of others that one is prepared to act for their benefit, to address their physical needs.
4. Jesus Does something to address their physical needs: “healing every disease and sickness”
5. Describes people as a harvest
6. Jesus Invites, encourages & teaches others to respond the way He does
7. The workers
-
- They are sent by God;
- They are an answer to the prayers of His people;
- Equipped by Christ for the work
- Consecrated for the spiritual and physical needs of the people
- Instruments of mercy in the hands of Christ.
8. Why are there “few” workers? Idle Christians: without purpose or effect
It’s the idea of people who say they are Christians but are really seeking a comfortable life and doing all they can to prevent possible adversity. But they need to have a fire lit under them, or rather inside them, to drive them out of their comforts into a world of need.
9. What does Jesus say we need to do to address these issues?
-
- Pray to the “Lord of the Harvest. Pray for the hearts and motives of believers Pray for our own hearts and motives
10. How can we participate in the harvest like Jesus? (besides prayer)
-
- Recognize our mission field
- Go to people and See people
- Don’t be idle.
- Don’t get discouraged! Faith responds to the situation of crisis by turning towards God
11. What can you do this week?
-
- Pray
- Ask the Holy Spirit help you examine your own heart and motives