scripture
Matthew 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on 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 workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
observation
Jesus saw hurting people everywhere that he went and he was greatly moved by their problems and needs. Jesus was there in the beginning before the fall so when he was looking upon the crowds he was probably able to recall what it was like before the fall and how we were intended to be in fellowship with God. What a heart break to know how it was supposed to be and walk amongst us and seeing how poorly mankind had done.
Jesus told us to pray for more workers because there was so much need and the people were so ready for the good news and then he gave his disciples the power and authority to do the job.
The rest of chapter ten gives the disciples their directions on how to do the work that Jesus has called them to do. They were going out into a hostile environment which is a fact that has not changed. I have never gone to do mission work in a hostile environment and I don’t think that I would be very bold in the situation; thankfully there are workers that are willing to go even into the most difficult situations.
application
I need to be bolder as a worker in God’s harvest.
prayer
Help me Lord to be a bolder witness for you, there are plenty of ripe fields that are ready for harvest. I need to realize the power and authority that you have given me to do the job.
