The Need For More Workers | Matthew 9
Matthew 8
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Chapter Notables:
Paralyzed man brought to Jesus by his friends healed - verses 1-8
Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, as a disciple, Jesus becomes associated with being with tax collectors (who Jews hated) and sinners - verses 9-13
Fasting and religiosity (Matthew 6) - verses 14-17
Jesus heals the woman with a 12 years bleeding issue - verses 20-22
Jesus heals daughter of a leader in the synagogue - verses 18,19; 23-26
Jesus heals the blind and the mute - verses 27-34
A call for prayer for more laborers in the Kingdom of God - verses 35-38
Answered Prayer | Lemuel Ayudtud
We have superstars now in Christianity. There are men and women who have become wildly known for their ministry and oration. At times, after seeing these “giants”, we can feel like there is enough out there that are spreading the message of Jesus, but that’s not the case.
Sure people like Joel Osteen, Steven Furtick, even Joyce Meyer, among others, are there pulling thousands of people’s attention towards their aspect of the message of Jesus. And, sure, there are Christian channels and programs on cable that we can watch and be blessed by, but no matter how large these people’s platforms may be, the amount of people that do not know Jesus as their personal Savior far surpasses those who are known as His messengers. In fact, though Christians number in the billions of people, the Kingdom of God is suffering losses of sons and daughters of God who do not know their Father.
Yes, our job as reconcilers of lost sons and daughters of God is never done. There is hardly enough of us out there that can reach every soul for Jesus. Then there are those who may ascribe allegiance to Christ who are actually enemies of the Cross by how they treat/mistreat people. So our task become even more taunting because we have to truly reflect Christ in this world, having to showcase God’s true love and desire for them.
Then there are moments that we feel we’re not enough. Whatever knowledge we may have or whatever position of influence we may have is not enough to bring attention to the Lord’s message of grace and salvation. At times we think we don’t know enough to matter.
This chapter ends with Jesus looking at the crowds who followed Him. They were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” The Lord turns to His disciples and lets them know that the harvest is plenty—pretty much, the need is great—”but the workers are few.”
No matter what we may think of ourselves or how we see our place in the church of God, know that you and I are part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer. After Jesus told His disciples that the laborers or workers were few, He instructed them to ask the Lord to send out workers in the field. Do you see it? Yes, we are the answered prayer of the disciples of Jesus for more laborers. We are part of the answer of God to meet the needs of the crowds.
You and I are not saved by happens-chance. We were not saved to sit on our hands and be idle. We were not saved to sing “Kumbaya” in rows facing a worship leader singing choruses for countless hours. I dare say, we were not saved to keep going into buildings or in our case, meeting online so we can mark ourselves present for the gathering. You know why we can say that? Because Jesus did not tell His disciples of pray for that. He told His disciples to pray for laborers.
Is it wrong to gather and worship and all the things we do as a community of believers? Of course not. At lease not that I think so (whatever that may mean). But I think we miss out on our real duties as believers and Christians when we don’t recognize that we are an answer to the prayer of Jesus for more workers. Yes, you and I.
No, you don’t have to be a pulpit preacher, or a great orator, or be a Masters in Divinity recipient. You don’t have to carry a tune or be able to sing on key. Better still, you don’t even have to be a fearless street evangelist telling people to turn to Jesus. What Jesus prayed for is that we become laborers in the harvest field.
What does that look like? Much the same way Jesus looked at the crowds that were following Him that day, the people now are harassed and helpless. They need the Lord Jesus. They need the message of hope and grace in their lives. They need the help of the Holy Spirit to renew them into new life: to bring lost sons and daughters back to Him. Or as Jesus put it, these lost sheep need to meet their Shepherd.
Lord Jesus, I thank You for making me Your partner in Your desire to bring reconciliation in the world. Help me to see the world as You see: broken and lost. Help me to accept my role in the harvest, that is, a worker in the field. Jesus You told Your disciples to pray that more workers be sent to the harvest field. Help me to embrace that I am one of the few answers to their prayer. Give the boldness to go, in Jesus Name, Amen.
