How We are Workers for Christ

Matthew 9:35- 10:8 (GNT): Being Workers among the Harvest

As he saw the crowds, his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. So he said to his disciples, “The harvest is large, but there are few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest.” (Matthew 9:36-38)

As Jesus travels through towns and synagogues, he makes a keen observation: There are many worried, helpless, suffering people who need God’s presence in their lives. Matthew says they are “like sheep without a shepherd” (36). The problem, as Jesus points out, is that “[t]he harvest is large, but there are few workers to gather it in” (37). This metaphor points to the needy people, the “harvest,” and the disciples, the “workers,” tasked to show them the kingdom of God. At the end of the passage, Jesus calls the twelve disciples together and commissions them to go out, heal, preach, give life, and eradicate evil.

In today’s world, the harvest is still large and in need of garnering and reaping. Jesus, too, calls each of us to be His loyal workers, serving and loving all people. Our commission is to be Jesus Christ’s extension of love in this world, for we are the parts of His body. We are called to forgive, care, love, be patient, sympathize, and to offer our individual skill set and vocation to those in front of us. We are Christ’s disciples of the modern day, and our commission is no different than it was 2,000 years ago.

If we take a moment to reflect on your daily routines, we will notice moments when we allow God to work through us. And this is a beautiful realization. There are tangible moments when we radiate the love and grace of God. On the other hand, we should take time to recall moments when we struggle to convey His love. It is there that God asks us to be open, to empty our self will, and to allow Him to work through us to reach the other.

Jesus says that by our acts of love in this world we will be known as his disciples (John 13:35). I pray that we all embrace Christ’s commission to be fruitful workers of the harvest, serving our neighbor with His gift of love.  

Have a blessed week!