Laborers, All of Us: Matthew 9:35 summarizes Jesus’ ministry in nearly the same words as 4:23, the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus goes about (1) teaching (2) proclaiming and (3) curing. Jesus commissions the disciples to become his partners in these activities (10:7-8). The ministry of the disciples grows naturally out of the ministry of Jesus. Jesus provides the shape that their ministry will take—first by the example of his ministry and, secondly, by this commission (10:7-8).

We expect Jesus to call the disciples to start work. Instead, Jesus says, ³⁸ therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” The word for “had compassion” expresses the deepest part of one’s being—today we would call it “heartfelt compassion”. Jesus not only feels compassion, but also cures the sick (14:14), feeds the crowd (15:32), and restores sight to the blind (20:34). In other words, “heartfelt compassion” prompts action.

The Lord of the harvest enables us for the work of ministry. We are called to be a church, the body of Christ – his hands and feet. Jesus is still calling new disciples each and every day to set out on that same mission.

Jesus sends the disciples to perform certain tasks. Again, note the verbs. The disciples are to: (1) proclaim (2) cure (3) raise (4) cleanse and (5) cast out, but we could summarize those as: (1) proclaim and (2) heal. What is Jesus telling us to do here that could be beyond human ability? What do these verses say to us today?

Prayer: Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.