What does Matthew 9:37-38 mean?

In Matthew 9:37-38, we encounter a passage that is both profound and instructive, offering a glimpse into the heart of Jesus' ministry and His vision for His followers. The verses read:

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." (Matthew 9:37-38, NIV)

To fully understand the meaning of these verses, it is essential to consider their context within the Gospel of Matthew, the broader narrative of Jesus' ministry, and the theological implications for believers today.

Context within the Gospel of Matthew

In Matthew 9, Jesus is actively engaged in His ministry throughout Galilee. He is teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people (Matthew 9:35). The chapter is filled with accounts of His miraculous works, such as healing a paralytic, raising a dead girl, and giving sight to the blind. These acts of compassion and power demonstrate the arrival of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

As Jesus moves through the towns and villages, He is deeply moved by the condition of the people. Matthew 9:36 says, "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." This verse sets the stage for the subsequent declaration about the harvest and the need for workers. Jesus sees the spiritual and physical needs of the people and is filled with compassion, recognizing their need for guidance, healing, and salvation.

The Metaphor of the Harvest

The metaphor of the harvest is rich with meaning and is used frequently in the Bible to represent spiritual realities. In an agrarian society, the harvest was a time of great importance and urgency. It was the culmination of months of labor and the time when the fruits of one's work were gathered. A plentiful harvest was a sign of blessing and abundance, but it also required a significant workforce to gather it in before it was lost or spoiled.

In this context, the harvest represents the vast number of people who are ready to receive the message of the kingdom of God. Jesus is indicating that there is a great opportunity for spiritual reaping; many are prepared to hear the gospel, repent, and enter into a relationship with God. The urgency of the harvest underscores the need for immediate and dedicated action.

The Workers are Few

While the harvest is plentiful, Jesus laments that the workers are few. This statement highlights a critical issue: there are not enough laborers to meet the needs of the harvest. In the immediate context, this refers to the disciples and other followers of Jesus who are called to participate in His mission. However, it also extends to all believers throughout history who are called to share in the work of evangelism and discipleship.

The scarcity of workers points to the necessity of mobilizing more individuals to engage in the mission of God. It is a call to action for the church to recognize the vast needs of the world and to respond with commitment and dedication. The work of the kingdom is not limited to a select few but is the responsibility of all who follow Christ.

Asking the Lord of the Harvest

In response to the need for more workers, Jesus instructs His disciples to pray: "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." This directive emphasizes the importance of prayer in the mission of the church. It acknowledges that the harvest belongs to God and that He is the one who ultimately sends and equips workers for His field.

Prayer is the means by which believers align themselves with God's purposes and seek His guidance and provision. By asking the Lord of the harvest to send out workers, believers are recognizing their dependence on God and their role as participants in His mission. It is a call to intercede for more laborers and to be willing to be sent themselves.

Theological Implications for Believers Today

The message of Matthew 9:37-38 is as relevant today as it was in the time of Jesus. The world is still filled with people who are harassed and helpless, in need of the good news of the kingdom. The harvest is still plentiful, and the need for workers remains urgent. There are several key implications for believers:

1. Compassion for the Lost: Jesus' compassion for the crowds should inspire believers to have a similar heart for those who are lost and in need. The recognition of the spiritual and physical needs of others should move believers to action, motivated by love and compassion.

2. Urgency of the Mission: The metaphor of the harvest conveys a sense of urgency. The opportunity to share the gospel is now, and the time to act is immediate. Believers are called to be diligent and proactive in their efforts to reach others with the message of Christ.

3. Role of Prayer: Prayer is foundational to the mission of the church. Believers are to pray for more workers and to seek God's direction and empowerment for the task. Prayer aligns believers with God's will and opens the way for His provision and guidance.

4. Participation in the Mission: Every believer has a role to play in the mission of God. The call to be workers in the harvest field is not limited to pastors, missionaries, or church leaders but extends to all who follow Christ. Each person has unique gifts and opportunities to contribute to the work of the kingdom.

5. Dependence on God: The directive to ask the Lord of the harvest underscores the dependence of believers on God for the success of the mission. It is God who sends and equips workers, and it is His power that brings about the harvest. Believers are to trust in His provision and guidance.

Conclusion

Matthew 9:37-38 is a powerful and compelling call to action for all who follow Christ. It reveals the heart of Jesus for the lost, the urgency of the mission, and the necessity of prayer and dependence on God. As believers today, we are invited to participate in the work of the kingdom, to have compassion for those in need, and to pray earnestly for more workers to be sent into the harvest field. The harvest is plentiful, and the opportunity to share the good news of the kingdom is before us. May we respond with faithfulness and dedication, trusting in the Lord of the harvest to guide and empower us for His mission.