[35] 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. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for 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 laborers are few; [38] therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:35–38)
We are very familiar with Jesus’ calling us to pray for laborers for the harvest. Jesus’ motivation behind this instruction isn’t as well known, but it’s worth investigating.
The need for laborers for the harvest is well documented. Last year in the Ohio District we had a record 26 congregations calling pastors. Another handful of churches needed a pastor but could not afford to call a full-time pastor. This year our seminaries provided 61 seminary graduates to serve as pastors, yet there were 55 churches across synod that did not receive a candidate.
Jesus’ motivation to call for us to pray for laborers for the harvest is clear: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” We empathize with Jesus as we imagine what it would be like if our congregation did not have a pastor.
Notice that Jesus didn’t specify who was in those crowds. Given the mixed population in Israel at the time, as well as human curiosity, it’s safe to say not everyone was Jewish. This is a reminder that Jesus came as Savior for all people.
When there is a shortage of church workers for congregations, there is an even greater shortage of pastors to start or develop new churches. It is also often means there is a greater shortage of international missionaries than usual. Jesus’ compassion extends just as much to those who do not know him as those who do. It’s all the more reason Jesus is insistent that we consistently ask God the Father to send laborers into the harvest.
(A Second Look devotions are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 