THE HARVEST AND THE NEED FOR MORE WORKERS: AN INTERPRETATION OF MATTHEW 9:35-38

The observation of Jesus Christ and his statement concerning harvest and the need for more workers over 2000 years ago still proves cogent in the world today, filled with bountiful harvest and in need of genuine, diligent and faithful workers. In the Gospels, Jesus often spoke about harvest in regards to mission and eschatological events, both metaphorically in term of souls winning, that is, the winning of new disciples into God’s kingdom, as it is in Matthew 9:35-38, which is the primary concern and heart of God. Matthew 9:35-38 paints the picture of Jesus’ mind towards the bountiful harvest and a need for more workers to be added to the few ones who are available, in order to accomplish the task and mission of God here on earth. The study of Matthew 9:35-38 will enable the contemporary believers to gain insight into Jesus’ desires and expectation concerning the harvest and the need for more workers. The purpose of this article is to interpret Matthew 9:35-38 and argue that through prayer more workers who are motivated by compassion will be sent to the field for a bumper harvest. In order to achieve the purpose, the descriptive method is adopted in the article. Consequently, the following implications are drawn in the article. First, the ministry of the church is not different from Jesus’ threefold ministry of teaching, preaching and healing. Second, the motivation for ministry should be compassion. Third, there is need for willing and faithful workers to join Christ in the harvesting work. Conclusively, there is a need to pray more fervently like Jesus, for the increase of compassionate and faithful workers and God will definitely respond to the prayer.