When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’ Matthew 9:36-38, NIV

 

In Israel, the barley harvest ripens early, usually from late March to early May, around the time of Passover. The wheat harvest comes later, during May to June, near the time of Pentecost. The original Jewish festivals celebrated God's work of salvation and his provision in nature. Passover took on a new meaning through the blood of the Lamb of God, shed for the salvation of the world. Pentecost came to represent the outpouring of the Holy Spirit – the same Spirit who works in believers with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

 

During his earthly ministry, Jesus looked at the crowds and felt deep compassion for them. They were harassed and helpless – religious, yes – but they had not yet come to know the true Shepherd of their souls. Jesus' disciples had come to know him as the Son of God, as Peter would later confess in Matthew 16:18. They knew that he is the Shepherd humanity needs.

 

When we reach spiritual maturity in the summer season of our faith, we also begin to see the world through new eyes. We start seeing people the way Jesus sees them. He was moved with deep compassion for the lost, so much so that he was willing to die for each of them on the cross. Those who believe in Jesus know him as the Lord of our lives and have a testimony of the difference he has made in us. We can speak of the hope that lives in us, because Jesus lives in us.

 

We cannot keep the message of Jesus’ love and grace to ourselves. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful” — that is the work of God the Holy Spirit. We cannot force people to be ready, but the Spirit works in their hearts, creating a hunger and thirst to know Jesus. Then, the Lord sends people who need him across our paths, and we have the answer. We know Jesus, and we can introduce them to him. That is our calling as the church. It was Jesus’ final command before his ascension: “Go and make disciples of all nations …” (Matthew 28:19).

 

The harvest is all around – it is the people we love, our families, colleagues and communities. We owe it to them to love them like Jesus loves us. We must not be ashamed to testify about Jesus’ love in our lives. One day, someone may just thank you for being the faithful worker who introduced them to Jesus. That experience is one of the greatest joys a child of God can have.

 

Prayer: Lord, we live in such a confused world right now. There is so much war, hatred and violence happening all around. However, you look at humanity with loving eyes, like sheep without a Shepherd. You call us to make a difference in this world. You call us to live out faith, hope and love toward everyone we meet. Help me to be a faithful worker in your harvest fields today, Lord Jesus! Amen.

 

 

Due to unforseen circumstances we'll only continue this series in mid-September. A new series will begin on Monday, 18 August.