Matthew 9:35-38

9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, [1] teaching [the orderly presentation of truth] in their synagogues [local assembly places that promoted Jewish culture and religion], [2] preaching the good news of the kingdom [cf. Mk. 1:15] and [3] healing [miracles of healing authenticated Jesus’ teaching and preaching] every disease and sickness.

9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion [“to have movement in the intestines”; L. com (with) + pati (to suffer); cf. Lk. 15:20] on them, because they were harassed [they were abused by life; weary; despondent] and helpless [thrown off balance by the daily grind; thrown to the ground], like sheep without a shepherd [without a spiritual leader; cf. Isa. 53:6; Matt. 15:32].

Note: What do you see and feel when you see a crowd of people?

9:37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers [the disciples] are few.

9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest [God], therefore, to send out [a strong term meaning “to cast or to thrust out”; go and seek the lost where they are] workers [be willing to be one of those workers] into his harvest field.”

Note: Why are people often reluctant to work in the harvest?