Matthew 9:36-38

Mat 9:36-38 The King pitying the Multitudes

36. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. A great crowd is a demand upon compassion, for it suggests so much sin and need. In this case, the great want was instruction: '' they fainted'' for want of comfort; they "were scattered abroad" for lack of guidance. They were eager to learn, but they had no fit teachers. "Sheep having no shepherd" are in an ill plight. Unfed, unfolded, unguarded, what will become of them? Our Lord was stirred with a feeling which agitated his inmost soul. "He was moved with compassion." What he saw affected not his eye only, but his heart. He was overcome by sympathy. His whole frame was stirred with an emotion which put every faculty into forceful movement. He is even now affected towards our people in the same manner. He is moved with compassion if we are not.

37, 38. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. His heavy heart sought solace among "his disciples", and he spake to them. He mourned the scantiness of workers. Pretenders were many, but real "labourers" in the harvest were few. The sheaves were spoiling. The crowds were ready to be taught, even as ripe wheat is ready for the sickle; but there were few to instruct them, and where could more teaching men be found?

God only can thrust out, or "send forth labourers." Man-made ministers are useless. Still are the fields encumbered with gentlemen who cannot use the sickle. Still the real in-gatherers are few and far between. Where are the instructive, soul-winning ministries? Where are those who travail in birth for their hearers' salvation? Let us plead with the Lord of the harvest to care for his own harvest, and send out his own men. May many a true heart bo moved by the question, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? "to answer, "Here am I! Send me."