The Need and the Call

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

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Matthew 9-10

Matthew 9: 35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for 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 laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Matthew 10: 1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2011 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sermon Summary: The sermon delves into Matthew chapter 9, focusing on Jesus’ ministry and interactions with crowds. It emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the harassed and helpless crowds, likening them to sheep without a shepherd. The sermon transitions to the concept of the harvest being plentiful but lacking laborers, urging prayer for more workers in God’s harvest. Jesus then appoints His disciples, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons, highlighting the importance of believers being sent out to spread the gospel.

Key Points:

• Jesus demonstrates compassion for the crowds, seeing them as helpless and harassed sheep in need of a shepherd.
• The harvest is plentiful, but laborers are few, emphasizing the need for more workers in God’s kingdom.
• Jesus appoints His disciples, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons, entrusting them with spreading the gospel.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

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

Humor and Anecdotes:

• The speaker humorously mentions how people are often uncomfortable with public speaking, sharing anecdotes from seminary training where individuals were filmed preaching.
• Anecdote about children working on a farm to keep them occupied and teach them responsibility.

Key Quotes:

• “Jesus sees sheep, helpless and harassed.”
• “The gospel changes people and not just you.”

Themes:

• Compassion and empathy towards those in need.
• The importance of prayer for more laborers in spreading the gospel.
• The authority and responsibility given to believers to share the message of Christ.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we cultivate a heart of compassion towards those around us who may be struggling or in need?
2. In what ways can we actively pray for more laborers in God’s harvest field, both locally and globally?
3. Reflect on the concept of being entrusted with authority by God to spread the gospel. How does this responsibility impact your daily life and interactions with others?

Metaphors and Stories:

• Sheep without a shepherd: Represents the lost and vulnerable state of humanity in need of guidance and care.
• Harvest: Symbolizes the abundance of souls ready to receive the gospel message, highlighting the need for laborers to bring in the spiritual harvest.