Matthew 9:35–38 (ESV)
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.”
Jesus is traveling around teaching and healing. He is actively living
the Gospel and changing people’s lives. The teaching is more important than the healing. Healing brings temporary relief… that is until they die. The teaching part however leads to eternal life. If Jesus raises a dead man back
to life, he will still die. Without Jesus teaching, which is part of His Word and Sacrament ministry… there is no eternal life. Yet, Jesus is traveling and teaching. The teaching is live changing to those who do not reject it.
It is interesting to see a glimpse of Jesus compassion. “36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus knows he
needs to send out more laborers… or evangelists.
I pray: O Lord, mold me and use me according to your will. Help me to proclaim your mercies
to this fallen world. Amen.