Workers Wanted

READ: Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT)

37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

REFLECT

Throughout His travels in Galilee, Jesus did wondrous works and spread the Good News about the Kingdom. He healed the paralyzed, gave sight to the blind, and cast demons out of the possessed. In carrying out His mission, Jesus recognized many were suffering, lost, and in need of a shepherd. He responded to the needs of the people by telling His disciples to pray. He didn’t tell them to pray for more harvest, better tools, or additional leaders. Instead, He told them to pray for workers. 

Jesus knew there were multitudes of hurting people who needed to hear the Good News. He also knew that the mass of people needing salvation far outnumbered the disciples. There was a bountiful harvest, but the number of workers needed to reap the harvest paled in comparison. Jesus responded not by telling the disciples to pray for the needs of the people, but rather, for workers to respond to those needs. 

Some versions of Matthew 9:37-38 use the word laborers instead of workers. A laborer is someone who performs unskilled work - in other words, no special training required - it doesn't take years of schooling, fancy titles, apprenticeships, or special skills. Any willing person can answer the call to be a laborer - even common folk like you and me. 

The duties of the laborer aren’t glamorous. Instead, the laborer performs grunt work that’s messy, tiring, and at times painful. While not the job title of choice by worldly standards, the laborer’s role is so important that Jesus instructs us to pray for more workers. Further reading in Matthew 10, reveals the answer to that prayer: Jesus sent His disciples out with authority to do His work and share the Good News to those in need. God has an open call for laborers. Will you answer? Will you be His hands and feet and  lead others to eternal life in His kingdom?

RESPOND

How will you answer God’s call for workers? How will you demonstrate your commitment to doing the work God has called you to do? Now, get to it…there’s work to be done! 

SONG OF THE WEEK

We Must Work (Dr. Bonnie Hunter & The Friendship Church Outreach Ministry)

DNelson 

11/11/2023