Day 9 – Matthew 9:35-38

READ

35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

REFLECT

Throughout his ministry, Jesus saw human pain and brokenness up close. He understood that, apart from God, everyone he ministered to was but a vulnerable, wandering sheep. The crowds, like us, desperately needed a shepherd for guidance and protection. Thankfully, Jesus, our good shepherd and greatest friend, looks at his sheep compassionately. With love, he has commissioned an army of field workers to tend to human hearts, planting seeds of hope in weary fields.

RESPOND

God, the world needs you. With every step, I hear all creation – nature and humanity alike – crying out for a taste of your presence. By your strength and for your glory, send an army of workers to tend to your fields with compassion and diligence. Place their confidence in your faithful promise to water and grow these plants in time. Amen.