Last updated on October 23, 2024
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 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 9:35-38
This is a famous passage. It’s a synopsis of much of Jesus’ three years of ministry. He taught in the synagogues every chance he got. His primary message was that the kingdom of God was greater than the all other earthly kingdoms, and that Kingdom had now come through him. He didn’t just talk about the kingdom, though. He also demonstrated it through healing people.
When Jesus looked at those who were coming to him, he felt deep compassion for them. Sure, there were some who were coming to debate him, and others just to see the show. But most were there because they needed help. When he looked at them he saw that they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. A shepherd protects and guides his sheep. They had no one to protect and guide them.
We also see in this passage that Jesus decided it was time to empower his disciples to do what he had been doing. They weren’t theologically trained. They didn’t necessarily know what they were doing. But they trusted Jesus. I also love the fact that he didn’t send them out on their own. He sent them in pairs. Community was important to him.