Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV)

Matthew 9:37–38 (NIV) says:

> 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.”

🌾 Meaning and Teaching:

These verses come right after Jesus looks upon the crowds and feels deep compassion for them because they were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Here’s what this passage really teaches:

1. There are many people ready to receive God’s message.
The “harvest” represents people whose hearts are open and ready to turn to God. Jesus sees that the world is full of people longing for truth, healing, and salvation.

2. There are too few people doing God’s work.
The “workers” are those who share God’s Word, serve others, and bring people to Christ. Jesus laments that not enough believers are stepping forward to do this important mission.

3. Prayer is the starting point for mission.
Jesus tells His disciples to pray first—to ask God, the “Lord of the harvest,” to send out more workers. This shows that evangelism and service are not just human efforts; they depend on God’s calling and power.

4. Every believer is called to take part.
While Jesus initially spoke this to His disciples, it applies to all believers today—we are invited to be part of God’s work in reaching others with His love and truth.

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💡 In short:

Jesus reminds us that the world is full of people hungry for hope, and we are called to pray and be willing to serve in bringing God’s message to them.