This chapter contains many more miracles from Jesus including healing, casting out demons, raising a girl from the dead, and forgiving sin (which ‘men’ are not able to forgive, but Jesus is God, so He can do it).
“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’ ” (v35-38)
This passage highlights for us just how desperate the situation is in our world. People are more lost now than ever, diseases and afflictions run rampant, millions are harassed and helpless and billions are in need of proper (spiritual) leadership. The ‘harvest’ is indeed plentiful, and the faithful, devoted laborers are still far too few.
Those of us who continue to be God’s faithful followers need to keep up the good fight and keep running the race to recruit and train as many Christ-honoring disciples as God prompts us to. With each passing day Jesus is one day closer to returning, and there is much work to be done before He arrives. I don’t think any of us needs to ponder very long to identify at least one person in our lives who does not yet proclaim Jesus as their King.
I strongly encourage us to continue being positive and Christ-centered witnesses for Jesus in this world, making spiritual impacts through our words and actions (including our ‘mundane’ tasks). When we joyfully serve at work or exhibit diligence at home we set an example and glorify God.
Let’s speak openly of our faith in all gentleness (not ‘Bible bashing’), out of love and compassion for our neighbors. Jesus exercised all the fruit of the Spirit flawlessly, and the Spirit is here to help us as well. Let’s pray unceasingly, and remain obedient to God and His Word, trusting that He will look after that details and softening of hearts.
Father God, our Compassionate and Loving Father, You exhibited such grace and forgiveness through the human life of Jesus. Father may we rely fully on Your Spirit, love unconditionally, and speak openly as Jesus did. May the fruit of Your Spirit entice those around us to open their hearts to You, so they may become Your laborers for the harvest. May our obedience and willingness to serve You be a focus in our lives as we seek to be fishers of people. May we love and honor You and our neighbors, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training