Matthew 9:35-38
The compassionate King sees the shepherdless crowds, proclaims the kingdom, heals their afflictions, and commands prayer for harvest laborers.
35 Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.
37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
38 Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
The compassionate King sees the shepherdless crowds, proclaims the kingdom, heals their afflictions, and commands prayer for harvest laborers.
Matthew summarizes Jesus’ teaching, kingdom proclamation, and healing ministry, then reveals his compassion for shepherdless crowds and commands prayer for laborers in the harvest.
Jesus is traveling through towns and villages in Galilee, ministering in synagogues and among the crowds.
Authority to Forgive, Mercy for Sinners, and Compassion for the Harvest
Jesus, the merciful Son of Man and Son of David, has authority to forgive sins, call sinners, restore the broken, and send workers into the harvest of shepherdless people.