The Need for Workers

35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

10 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil[a] spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.

–Matthew 9:35-10:1 (NLT)

The news continues to be more and more alarming every day, especially for Christians. Sinful behavior is flaunted as acceptable lifestyle choices and the media flashes it all in our faces every day. Sadly, the reaction of most Christians seems to be to withdraw and point fingers at the sinners.

That wasn’t Jesus’ reaction. He frequently met with sinners and tax collectors. Matthew, one of the early disciples that Jesus called was a tax collector who got up from his tax collecting booth on the spot, when Jesus asked him to become his follower. Matthew immediately planned a dinner so Jesus could meet his friends – other tax collectors and sinners.

How are you reaching out to the sinners around you? Are you creating your own private cocoon or are you looking for ways to share your faith?

Father God, open our hearts, break them if necessary; and open our eyes to see the need and the harvest waiting for us. …waiting for us to be willing to step up and help. Give us the courage we need to share our faith in meaningful and relevant ways.