Skip to content Matthew 9:37 “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” As Jesus looked on a crowd of people who were sheep without a Shepard he makes this poignant metaphor. Two thousand years later this still rings true. Now the question is why are we not spreading the gospel? What are the obstacles and the solutions to this dilemma
Spreading the Gospel-The Harvest
As Jesus looked out into the crowd he saw the sick and the helpless and he had compassion on them. Who are these people in our context? Where is our harvest?
Simply put, it’s those without Jesus.
Keep in mind one can be a Christian without Jesus. As Christianity has become just as much its own culture as it is a deep relationship with Christ. And there is a difference. In our western context people know of Jesus, but do they follow Him? Or do they have an understanding of Jesus that is not aligned with the true Jesus? Whatever it may be it is all who do not have Jesus as their savior that embody this harvest.
With these in mind the harvest is indeed plentiful.
Obstacles and solutions
Despite the lush harvest in front of us the laborers are few. Lets explore the obstacles to this and consider what we can do about it.
Do you live in a Christian Bubble?
As communal beings, part of our nature involves being with like-minded individuals. This often results in being exclusively with other Christians, which comes withconsequences. But the truth is is that unless you live in a David Koresh styled compound we do interact with non Christians. We may not socialize on a regular basis, but most of us work with non Christians, have family members that are non Christians or at least have one or two acquaintances that are not Christian. Perhaps these are the people that God has placed in your purview to do some reaping.
Learned Helplessness
We see those in need, yet you feel that you are just one person. What could one person really do with the great need in the world? Although there is truth to this, this mindset often leads to apathy. Out of all the different ways to approach this feeling, apathy should not be one of them. I know this is a feeling I often have when I learn about a great national tragedy or an injustice, but there are simply things one can do. There are baby steps towards at least a direction that alleviates suffering. Things like being voice box for the vulnerable, or a small donation to an organization. Something is always better than nothing.
Is there a lack of compassion?
Let’s face it, sometimes people in general are not lovable, Christian and non Christian alike. Especially when people embody a hefty dose of a graceless disposition. Yet the needy in the days of Christ also had societal marks against them that made them unlovable. Jesus was able to cut through those layers that man sees and peers through their hearts. As Christians we should be adept to the behaviors of the heart and like Christ see the vulnerable as they truly are. And hopefully this can conjure up some compassion.
Priorities are not towards the harvest
Most of us have obligations, career, family and the like. Sometimes the masses are not on top of our list of things to take care of. Jesus had commented on this. “Let the dead bury their own dead.” Luke 9:60. These are seemingly harsh words, but only because we don’t have an omnipotent mind. Proclaiming the kingdom takes precedent when souls are at stake.
Laboring for Christ is our Calling
We all have a purpose. God did not create us haphazardly and he did not create us to just pursue our own interest. He created us to glorify him, and to proclaim the kingdom of God by spreading the gospel. This is our higher calling. This is may look different from each one of us, but this is our purpose. We are laborers for Christ, and there is certainly work to be done.
