Do You See What Jesus Sees?

June 24, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“Then he (Jesus) said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.’” Matthew 9:37

In churches, we often see the dynamic in play where 10 percent of the people do 90 percent of the work. At least, it often feels that way to those workers. These church workers often have a higher risk of burnout as they always have more work to do than people to do it.

Jesus had a similar concern. He had come to build the kingdom of God. Jesus never lacked having people waiting for him; they longed to hear his teachings, loved receiving his free meals, and desperately awaited his healing touch. People walked many miles just to be near him. Jesus had vast opportunities for ministry, but Jesus was only one person, and he never traveled outside of the nation of Israel.

Throughout his three years of ministry, Jesus raised up twelve disciples. He taught these men, mentored them, walked with them, ate with them, and prayed with and for them. They comprised his inner circle. Then he had the wider circle that travelled with him and the disciples. He also raised up these men and women to continue the kingdom work. But even with these followers, Jesus knew it was just the beginning.

Jesus wanted his followers to see beyond their regions and people. He wanted his disciples to appreciate how their lives had been radically changed through his ministry. Then Jesus wanted them to go out and share the good news of the Gospel, to invite others into a life-changing encounter with him. In Jesus they, too, could experience reconciliation with God and others, healing, freedom, and a deep sense of identity and calling.

The time had arrived for these followers of Jesus Christ to see what he saw – a plentiful harvest – multitudes of people with a deep cavern within their hearts who longed for what Jesus offered.

Reflection:

The harvest is still plentiful, and the workers are still few. How can you participate in this harvest work – prayer, mentoring, evangelism, outreach? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.