Matthew 9:35-38 - Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

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Planning the Harvest

Matthew 9:35-38; Matthew 10:1-4

A new chapter in our Lord's ministry opens at this point. As He walked amid the crowded towns and villages of Galilee, His heart was deeply moved. His was the shepherd's nature, which, ever forgetful of self, expends its all for the flock. Jesus loved the poor people tenderly-those vast multitudes were a scattered, harassed flock. Fainted has the meaning of being cast panting on the ground. It was as though they could not move another step. Let us-like our Master-behold, pity, intercede, do our best to send out laborers, and go ourselves, even to a cross, if only we may save.

Pray for laborers, and you will become a laborer. Begin as a disciple, and you will become an apostle. Our Lord is king, and if He sends, He gives His signet ring of authority. See Matthew 28:18. How little did these men dream that their names would be engraved on the foundations of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:14.

Related Commentaries of Matthew 9:35

Matthew 9:35-38

35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted,d and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

37 Then saith he unto his disciples,The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.