“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. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”
Matthew 9:36-37
When Jesus Christ looked at the multitude, He saw people who were spiritually weary, confused, and without direction. They were like sheep without a shepherd—people in need of guidance, care, and truth. This sight moved Him with deep compassion.
Jesus then told His disciples that the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. There are many people who need to hear the gospel and experience God’s love, yet there are not enough believers willing to reach them. As Jesus also said in Gospel of Luke 10:2, the harvest is great but the workers are few.
God desires that His children develop the same compassion for souls. Like the prophet who responded in the Book of Isaiah 6:8, we should be willing to say, “Here am I; send me.” When we allow God to use us, we become part of His work in bringing hope and salvation to others.
Charge: You have been saved, healed and restored to tell others about the good news. Carry the burden of the gospel everywhere you go.
Further Study: Matthew 14:14; Mark 6:34; Luke 10:2; John 4:35; Philippians 2:4.
