Laboring in God's Harvest

TEXT: Matthew 9:35-38

Mt 9:35 ¶ And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Introduction

• The context

1. His Laborers are Sensitive

Matthew 9:36 — But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Verse 36

• 'moved with compassion' : to have the bowels yearn, i.e. (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity:--have (be moved with) compassion.

A. To the Fact that it is God's

• It is HIS HARVEST, His work

B. The Need

The Harvest truly is plenteous

• because they fainted and were scattered abroad
• Reacting and Responding to the spiritual condition around us

C. History, Context (CAREFUL)

• Sensitive to HOW WE GO ABOUT THE WORK
• Sheep without a Shepherd
• Spiritual Gifts
• Numbers
• ALL GLORY TO CHRIST, labor for this!
• Not losing sight of the source of our power:

Romans 1:16 — For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

• dunamis: miraculous power

2. His Laborers are Scant (DIFFICULT)

But the laborers are few.

• Why the Shortage?
• Difficulty? It is work
• It is not a race to the swift but to the patient

3. His Laborers are Sent

Matthew 9:38 — Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

• This requires submission.
• This requires cooperation.

Conclusion

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19