Day 51: Help Wanted

Matthew 9:35-38

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.”

Comments

 

Jesus didn’t wait months or years for his disciples to be prepared for ministry; he sent them out quickly because of the great need he saw.

 

Psalm 23 speaks beautifully of sheep having green pastures and still waters, and of a shepherd with a rod and staff to protect them from predators. With these things, sheep have everything they need; without them, they are harassed and helpless.

 

Jesus used this image to emphasize that inside God’s kingdom there is “shalom” (safety and abundance), while outside the kingdom there is neither.

 

Reflections

 

The disciples expected to follow Jesus, but they were probably surprised to be sent by him on a mission. Do you assume that God’s call comes to some (like ministers and missionaries), but not to you?

 

Many who attend church each Sunday could best be classified as spectators rather than participants, and consumers rather than producers. To what extent does such a description fit you?

 

Prayer

 

Fill my heart with compassion, Lord, for those who are harassed and helpless. Call many to carry out your mission, beginning with me.