What is the meaning of Matthew 9:38? Ask The very first word places the spotlight on prayerful dependence. Jesus is not suggesting, He is commanding. • Luke 11:9 reminds us, “So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you…”. • James 4:2 warns, “You do not have because you do not ask”. By opening with “Ask,” the Lord makes clear that the mission begins on our knees. Every disciple’s first response to a needy world is earnest, persistent petition. the Lord We ask a Person, not an impersonal force. The title “Lord” underscores His absolute authority. • Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof”. • Romans 10:12 affirms, “The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him”. Coming to “the Lord” recognizes that only He can orchestrate and empower the outreach His heart desires. of the harvest All spiritual fruit belongs to God; He alone produces it. • John 4:35 urges, “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest”. • 1 Corinthians 3:7 says, “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes it grow”. Calling Him “of the harvest” reminds us that evangelism is His project; we merely cooperate with His sovereign work. therefore This word ties the command to the context of verse 37: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few”. The urgency of lost crowds moves us from observation to action. • Mark 6:34 shows Jesus’ compassion when He saw people “like sheep without a shepherd”. Because need is great and time is short, “therefore” pushes us to pray—and then to act. to send out workers The prayer is specific: laborers, not spectators. • Acts 13:2–3 records the Holy Spirit saying, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”. • Romans 10:15 asks, “How can they preach unless they are sent?”. God answers this prayer by stirring hearts, calling, gifting, and thrusting people into fields where He has prepared souls. into His harvest The mission field belongs to Him; we serve at His pleasure. • John 15:8 declares, “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit”. • 1 Corinthians 3:9 reassures us, “We are God’s fellow workers”. Entering “His harvest” means embracing His agenda, trusting His provision, and expecting His results. summary Matthew 9:38 calls believers to pray first, recognizing God’s lordship over a harvest that is truly His. Our petition is that He will raise up and send out willing laborers—perhaps including ourselves—so that ripe fields are gathered for His glory. Persistent, faith-filled prayer is both the starting line and the sustaining power of effective gospel work. |
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