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.” Matthew 9:35-38 (ESV)
Jesus specifically asked his followers to pray that he, the Lord of the harvest, would send out laborers into his harvest. We know from the context of the passage above that he meant those who are attuned to the plight of harassed and helpless people and are moved by compassion to do something about it. The Bible calls these people “shepherds,” which means they care enough about people to give themselves to the work of the gospel.
One might think that Jesus would ask us to pray for those who need to be saved, but, instead, he asked us to pray for laborers who would go and serve the harvest. Why is this? Could it be that since God the Father already chose many from before the foundation of the world to be his people, and since Jesus already died for them, and since the Holy Spirit is actively engaged with these people, that the only missing ingredient is the human component – love motivated witnesses and shepherds who will devote themselves to helping the lost come to Jesus and making them into disciples?
The church, unfortunately, has become very narcissistic. We have fallen in love with our own image and importance, imagining that everything important happens in our meetings and gatherings? Jesus, however, sees things quite differently. He said there is more joy in heave over one sinner who repents than over a mega-church that does not need to repent. (He actually said “99 who do not need to repent,” but my wording perhaps is more impacting.)
What if the rank and file members of every church were overcome with compassion for the people living, working, and playing around them? What if our eyes and ears were opened to the drama that is playing out behind every door in our neighborhood? What if we were willing to spend significant hunks of time being with neighbors who need Jesus – just to see what the Holy Spirit might do, should we give him the opportunity? What if the church heard Jesus’ call to go out into the harvest?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive us for being so caught up with our own comfort and ease. Forgive us for being more concerned about the welfare of the church than we are about the eternal destinies of those who do not yet know you. Open our hearts, our eyes, and our ears to the plight of those who are harassed and helpless, having no one to care for them. Lord, we give ourselves to you and to your Great Commission. Baptize us afresh in the Holy Spirit. Equip, empower, and send us into our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, clubs, and wherever people connect. Give us a “word in season” that will connect with people. Give us wisdom in effectively presenting the gospel message. Let your spiritual gifts flow freely as they did in Jesus’ ministry. Help us to be faithful in making disciples of those who become followers of Christ. Amen.
