Matthew 9

28  Before Jesus healed them, He made sure they had faith. Man’s faith is necessary for Jesus’ power to become manifest in men’s lives. Without faith on our part, Jesus can do no mighty works (see Mark 6:4-6 and comment).

29-31 As always, Jesus healed their eyes completely. “According to your faith will it be done to you” (see Mark 5:34; 10:52 and comments). Then He commanded the men to tell no one (see Mark 1:44-45; 5:43; 7:36 and comments).

According to your faith. … If we believe that Jesus is a healer, He will heal us. If we believe He is the Savior, He will save us. Let us enlarge our faith!

(Matthew 12:22-24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:14-15)

32-34 See Matthew 12:22-24; Mark 3:22 and comments.

(Luke 10:2)

35  See Matthew 4:23; Mark 1:14-15 and comments.

36  Jesus was motivated throughout His ministry by compassion. He gave His life because of His compassion for mankind. Even when He had traveled and preached all day, He didn’t turn the people away. They were like lost sheep and He was their shepherd (see Mark 6:34 and comment).

37  Jesus, looking over the crowd, said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful.” This was not a harvest of rice or corn, but a harvest of men. Men are like a field of grain, waiting to be harvested (John 4:35-36). But the workers are few.

38  The harvest is God’s, but He has entrusted it to us. He has given us complete responsibility for His harvest. Jesus said, “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers.” He could send out more workers without our prayers, but He has told us to pray that more be sent.

What happens if there are not enough workers at harvest time? Part of the harvest will be lost. And if the harvest is lost, it will be because we didn’t ask for enough workers.

Do we really care about God’s harvest? Do we really care for the souls of the men and women around us? If we care, we will pray for workers. But before God answers our prayer, He will ask us a question: “Are you working yourself? Or are you only praying for me to send someone else to work in the harvest?” Then God will say to us: “First, go into the field yourself and begin to work. And when I see you working with all your heart and strength, then I will answer your prayer and send others to help you.”

Many Christians have prayed that God would send people to work in the harvest, and then God has surprised them and said: “Okay, I’ll send you.”

Let us be like the prophet Isaiah. He heard God say, “Whom shall I send?” And Isaiah answered, “Here am I. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).