Matthew 9:35-10:15

JESUS SENDS OUT THE TWELVE

Keywords 9:38

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

 

1. Ask the Lord of the harvest (9:35-38)

Jesus served endless needs of the crowds. But Jesus was not burdened. He saw them as sheep without a shepherd. The harvest was plentiful, but the workers few. Jesus saw his disciples with hope. They should pray and then go as harvest workers.

 

2. “The kingdom of heaven is near” (10:1-15)

There was an immediate need for harvest workers, so Jesus gave his disciples authority to drive out demons and heal the sick, and sent them out to the crowds to preach the message: “The kingdom of heaven is near.” Yet Jesus also gave instructions that they might grow in their inner character to be more like him. He instructed them to practice his sacrificial giving heart, saying “freely you have received, freely give” (8). He taught them to depend on God alone (9-10). He taught them not to move around, but faithfully stay at one house (11-13). He taught them to maintain a clear identity as God’s servant (14-15). This was Jesus’ way to raise his disciples as independent gospel workers.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for Jesus’ compassion and hope. There are many sheep without a shepherd. Help me to go out into the harvest field.

One Word Pray for workers and go out