Meaning of Matthew 9:38

This verse, spoken by Jesus, is a direct imperative to His followers, framing the mission of spreading the Gospel as an agricultural endeavor requiring divine intervention. The "Lord of the harvest" refers to God Himself, who is the ultimate source and owner of all people and the one who orchestrates the opportune moments for spiritual reaping. The "workers" are those called and equipped by God to labor in this harvest, and the "harvest field" represents the world, ripe with individuals ready to receive the message of salvation. The verse, therefore, is not merely a suggestion but a foundational principle for evangelism, emphasizing the necessity of prayer for more laborers, acknowledging that the success of the mission ultimately depends on God's provision and direction.

Context and Background

This statement by Jesus in Matthew 9:38 immediately follows His commissioning of the twelve apostles in Matthew 10:1-4. Prior to this, Jesus had been teaching and performing miracles, demonstrating His authority over sickness, demons, and even death. He saw the multitudes who were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). This profound compassion for the lost and spiritually destitute, coupled with the realization of the immense spiritual need, led Him to utter this prayerful command. The disciples were being prepared for their mission, and Jesus was instructing them on the crucial element of relying on God for the expansion of His kingdom.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty in Mission: The verse underscores that evangelism is not solely a human endeavor but a divine one. God is the "Lord of the harvest," implying He controls the timing and the readiness of people for the Gospel.
• The Necessity of Prayer: The primary action commanded is to "ask." This highlights prayer as the essential first step in addressing the shortage of laborers. It acknowledges our dependence on God's initiative and empowerment.
• The Urgency of the Harvest: The imagery of a harvest implies a time-sensitive opportunity. Crops, when ripe, must be gathered before they spoil. This conveys a sense of urgency in reaching people with the Gospel.
• The Role of Laborers: The "workers" or "laborers" are those actively engaged in the work of ministry, spreading the message of God's kingdom. Their involvement is vital, but their sending is a divine prerogative.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Matthew 9:38 lies in its call to a prayerful and God-dependent approach to evangelism and missions. It teaches believers that the expansion of God's kingdom is not achieved through human effort alone, but through God calling and sending forth individuals equipped for the task. Practically, this means:

• Praying for vocations: Christians are encouraged to pray for God to call more individuals into full-time ministry, missions, and evangelistic roles.
• Praying for opportunities: It also means praying for God to open doors and create receptive hearts in the "harvest field" so that the message can be effectively shared.
• Recognizing our role: While we pray for others to be sent, we must also be willing to be sent ourselves, responding to God's call.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is intrinsically linked to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations." The command in Matthew 9:38 provides the spiritual foundation for the execution of the Great Commission. If the harvest is great and the laborers are few, then prayer for more laborers becomes a prerequisite to fulfilling the mandate to go. It also resonates with Old Testament prophecies about the ingathering of nations into God's kingdom (e.g., Isaiah 2:2-4, Amos 9:13-15), suggesting that the mission Jesus initiated is part of a larger, divine plan.

Analogies

The analogy of a harvest is rich and multifaceted:

• Farming: Just as a farmer cultivates fields, sows seeds, and waits for the crop to mature, God cultivates humanity, sows His Word, and awaits the spiritual fruit. The farmer then diligently harvests what has grown.
• Urgency: A ripe harvest is perishable. This highlights the transient nature of opportunities to reach people. If not seized, they can be lost.
• Labor: Harvesting requires diligent work and effort. This reflects the active participation needed from believers in sharing the Gospel.

Relation to Other Verses

• Luke 10:2: This parallel passage in Luke explicitly states, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." The emphasis is identical.
• John 4:35: Jesus says, "Do you not say, 'Four months more and then comes the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." This verse emphasizes the readiness of the people and the opportune moment.
• Acts 1:8: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit's power to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth." This points to the divine empowerment necessary for the laborers to effectively fulfill their task.
• 1 Corinthians 3:6-9: Paul uses the harvest analogy, stating, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow... For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." This reinforces the idea of God's ultimate sovereignty and our cooperative role.