Matthew 9

Harvest Time

Reading through chapters 8 and 9 we see many different miracles Jesus was doing. He would heal the blind and they would see, he would raise the dead, the lame would walk, and even calm storms. He was a busy man, who knew how to spend his time. At the end of chapter 9 we read these words, “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 (vs 35).” So yes, he was busy.

Jesus actually must have been wiped. He would see many different diseases, many people hurt, many people who needed healing. There was no one that was too sick, or too far along for Jesus to heal. Jesus was and is the healer. And as Jesus was healing the sick, fixing the broken hearted, there was still a lot more to do. A crowd started to gather and as Jesus still saw so much hurt and need he did not grow frustrated, in fact we read in vs 36 that, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” I love that Jesus never was weary or complained about the sick and needy, yet you and I can complain about the needy and being a nuisance.

As Jesus went from having compassion he also used this opportunity to talk with his disciples. We read in vs 37, Then he said to his disciples, “The Harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” He was saying, “Alright guys, do you not see there is much work to be done.” Then he told them to pray for the Lord to send out laborers. As Jesus then turned it to his disciples the question remains for us.

1) There are the sick, the dying of sin, those that need spiritual healing. What are you going to do about it? Maybe you are too self-absorbed to notice the friend next to you that is hurting. Maybe you see stuff going on at school but instead of seeing sheep without a shepherd, you just do not care. Jesus, the chief shepherd cared and was seeing what the disciples would do. Just like our teacher we need to be aware of those in spiritual need. It starts with the burden, it will produce an action.

2) We can not grow annoyed of the needy. Jesus did not get annoyed or pass them off, instead he had compassion on them. As there are many that needed saving, Jesus was the answer. It is so easy to grow impatient and annoyed, but remember, Christ was not with you. He endured and had compassion on me and you, a wretched sinner. Remember the cross every time and it will refresh your soul.

3) Pray for laborers and when you do, guess what, it is you. When you pray for others and for needs to be met, God has His way and making you the answer of that prayer.  I can recount many times that I would pray for the needs of others and the Holy Spirit puts it on my heart to help those that I can. We just need to be willing.

Isaiah 6:8-9 says, “The I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here am I. Send me’.”

The harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few! Alright family, there is much to do, let’s get going, let’s help those we can spiritually!