35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:35-38 KJV)
The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few
Jesus continued his work, preaching and healing in all the cities (Matthew 9:35). Though the Pharisees opposed him, he remained committed to his mission, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom—the good news of grace and glory under the rule of the Mediator.
He did not limit his ministry to great cities but also preached and healed in small villages. The souls of the poor and obscure were just as precious to him as those of the wealthy. He also taught in synagogues, demonstrating the importance of public worship and using it as an opportunity to reach people gathered to hear the Word (Hebrews 10:25).
Jesus observed the vast number of people in the towns and cities. Seeing their spiritual condition, he was moved with compassion (Matthew 9:36). They were ignorant, directionless, and perishing for lack of guidance. His concern was not merely for their physical needs but for their souls. His deep compassion for lost souls was what brought him from heaven to earth and ultimately to the cross (John 3:16).
He saw that the people were fainting, lacking true spiritual nourishment. The scribes and Pharisees burdened them with empty traditions (Matthew 23:4) while failing to instruct them in true righteousness. Without proper guidance, they were scattered like sheep without a shepherd—vulnerable and lost (1 Kings 22:17). Though their religious leaders claimed to be shepherds, they misled and exploited the people rather than caring for them (Ezekiel 34:2-4).
Seeing this need, Jesus urged his disciples to pray. Before sending out his apostles, he spent much time in prayer (Luke 6:12-13). Those who truly care for souls should pray for them. He told his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). There was great potential for the gospel to spread, but not enough workers to meet the need. It was encouraging that so many people desired the truth, but discouraging that there were so few to teach them.
Jesus instructed them to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers (Matthew 9:38). The ministry is God’s work, and he alone calls and equips faithful workers (Ephesians 4:11). Those who desire to see souls saved should earnestly pray for God to raise up more ministers—faithful, wise, and diligent—to reap the harvest. Some laborers may be hesitant because of their own weakness or opposition from others, but prayer can overcome these barriers.
Christ gave this instruction just before sending out his apostles, showing that when God is about to send a special blessing, he stirs his people to pray (Psalm 10:17). Ministers themselves should also pray for more laborers, not out of self-interest, but out of a desire to see more souls reached for Christ (Isaiah 6:8).