The Harvest

Matthew 9:35–38 NIV

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. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Matthew 10:1–8 NIV

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Introduction: We will be joyously eager to do what Jesus is instructing to the degree that it has become unthinkable that we would not be in the neighborhoods around South Blendon blessing families with the same power from Jesus that has transformed our lives.

(Spiritual Formation Leading to Community Transformation)

How does this passage empower us for this vision?

14 - Jesus has a heart for the harvest.

Vs 36 Splongkna

- Originally ripping out of the guts of an animal being sacrificed

- Came to mean place where compassion or pity comes from

-Became a Character Trait for God

Jesus wants people restored - He came to heal, save and forgive

He sees people oppressed, scattered and directionless.

He is healing as many as he can, he is preaching the good news as much as he can, he is delivering as many people as he can, but it is not reaching as many people as his compassion dictates.

In Matthew 9:12–13, Jesus states that he prioritizes basic acts of mercy over purity rituals and customary sacrifices. Jesus values people over customs—particularly if those customs involve regulations that prevent him from showing compassion to others. In Matthew 9:18–35, Jesus begins to practice the message he has just preached by extending mercy to people in practical ways. In today’s passage, Jesus realizes that he can’t do this work alone. He needs help. He needs laborers for the harvest.

- As a pastor feeling like you can't do everything you need to to shepherd the people - If Jesus felt that way, how much more we pastors who are not perfect.

Jesus’ response is to make disciples.

"If you build the Church you sometimes make disciples, but if you make disciples, you will always get the Church." - Mike Breen

"Jesus is the Model for the Church" - Tim Vink

From Discipleship Essentials:

- Jesus knows that in order to reach the masses, the world, he must focus on a few.

- Internalization, Impartation, Multiplication

‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’”

Jesus begins by telling his disciples, and us to pray for more workers. “Why pray?

Our Vision Begins with the Heart.

15 - Disciple’s have a heart for the harvest.

If being a disciple of Jesus is being and doing like Jesus, than having the same heart as Jesus is being a disciple.

Max Lucado a dynamic Christian author said it this way, ‘ The sign of the saved is their love for the lost”

South Blendon’s heart for the harvest has been growing. -

-The Story of the Lewis' coming to Church

-Brings Allison to Church

- Brings guests to Thanksgiving meal

- Veltema's inviting the DeHaan's to church.

Dave and Karen being invited by Kelly and Vicky

- Young Adult Group - Young People coming and Inviting people.

Blessing the Crowds:

- Bless - Tangible Blessing - Preach, Heal, Deliver

- Listen - To their story

- Eat - Eat with people

- Share - The Gospel and your life

- Supplication - Pray for people

It begins with prayer

16 - Prayer

Neighbor Cards are not a gimmick

Prayer meetings are vital

Finger of God:

An old deacon was leading in prayer using one of his stereotypical phrases, which was "Oh Lord, touch the unsaved with Thy finger." As he intoned this phrase in this particular prayer, he stopped short. Other members came to his side and asked if he were ill. "No," he replied, "but something seemed to say to me, "Thou art the finger."

But do we feel equipped

17 - Prepare

18 &19 - Diagram of Harvest Strategy.

Kingdom Ambassadors discipling people like Jesus

well he took 3 years with them

It is bearing fruit. - Multiplication

- K.A. - Kristal discipling a young lady and pulling from Kingdom Ambassadors to do so

- K.A. - Lori Gwilt starting two new Bible studies with ladies outside of the congregation.

A number of Young Adults joining the next group.

It is not just a class we need, but

20 - Power

10:1 - The Disciples are given power and authority. The Disciples do the same things Jesus does

Remember the story of the four friends who lowered their paralyzed friend through the roof to get him to Jesus? They had a heart for the harvest, so they weren't going to let anything stop them from bringing their friend to Christ. Their determination and teamwork resulted in not just physical healing, but spiritual rebirth. This scripture illustrates the heart of discipleship—actively seeking to bring others to the source of true life, Jesus.

Recently, I told the Youth Group how important it is to have the courage to pray in person with people - People will experience the Power of God when you do.

Being a worker for the Harvest is a Team Sport.

21 - Partner

Diagram of Harvest Strategy:

Conclusion: Are you with the Lord? How is your heart for the harvest? Where is your compassion level for those who do not know Jesus? To grow in your compassion: Pray, Prepare, Receive Power, and Partner.