How does Matthew 9:38 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’” “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” A Call to Pray, Then a Call to Go • Matthew 9:38 commands prayer for more workers. • Matthew 28:19–20 answers that prayer by commissioning those same disciples as the workers. • Jesus moves His followers from intercession to action, showing that genuine prayer readies the heart for obedient mission. The Lord of the Harvest Identified • In 9:38, “the Lord of the harvest” is an unnamed divine authority. • In 28:18, Jesus says, “All authority … has been given to Me,” revealing Himself as that Lord. • The One to whom they prayed is now the One sending them. Continuity of Mission 1. Compassion → Matthew 9:36 records Jesus’ compassion for the crowds. 2. Prayer → 9:38 urges prayer for laborers. 3. Commission → 28:19–20 sends those laborers. 4. Presence → 28:20 promises, “I am with you always,” ensuring the mission’s success. From Few Workers to Global Reach • “Workers are few” (9:37) contrasts with “all nations” (28:19). • The initial handful of disciples becomes the seed for worldwide disciple-making (Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:6). Practical Takeaways • Pray first: regular intercession aligns the heart with God’s harvest vision (Luke 10:2). • Expect to be sent: prayer often enlists the one who prays (Isaiah 6:8). • Trust Christ’s authority and presence: His power (28:18) and companionship (28:20) sustain every worker. Summary Matthew 9:38 lays the groundwork through prayer for laborers; Matthew 28:19-20 fulfills that prayer by commissioning those very disciples. The passage arc moves from seeing the need, to praying about it, to becoming the answer—under Christ’s authority and with His abiding presence. |
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