Matthew 9:38

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Matthew 9:38 (KJV)

Context

In the passage leading to this verse, Jesus went about teaching, preaching, and healing every disease and affliction. When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion because they were distressed and dispirited, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). This Old Testament image of shepherdless sheep underscores the people’s spiritual need and the urgency of the moment.

Meaning

Jesus calls God the “Lord of the harvest,” a title that affirms His sovereignty and authority over the gathering of souls into His kingdom. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Jesus instructs His disciples to pray that the Lord would send forth laborers into His harvest. The Greek word for “send forth” (ekballo) can mean “thrust forth” or “send out with force,” suggesting a strong, deliberate action. It is God who calls, qualifies, and sends workers; humans cannot make or send ministers on their own.

Biblical connections

This instruction is echoed in Luke 10:2, where Jesus gives similar direction to the seventy. The harvest metaphor signifies the gathering of people who are ready to receive the message of salvation. Just as crops are gathered at the proper time, there is a spiritual harvest of souls prepared by God. The laborers are faithful preachers of the Gospel who work in the field of the world, depending on divine blessing and power for the conversion of sinners and the edification of believers.

Application

This verse reminds believers of the urgency and importance of sharing the Gospel and making disciples. We are called to be laborers in God’s harvest field, spreading His love and truth to those around us. Like the disciples, we should pray earnestly for more workers to join in this mission, recognizing that it is ultimately God who sends and equips laborers for His work. Prayer is the means by which believers participate in the sending of workers, and it challenges us both to pray for laborers and to be willing to be laborers ourselves.

Reflection

Consider how you can actively support the harvest through prayer and personal involvement. Ask God to raise up workers in your community and around the world, and be open to the possibility that He may be calling you to step into the harvest field.