How to Create a Crowd

Scripture: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." Matthew 9:36-38

Observation: This fairly famous verse is an obvious metaphor. The people are the harvest of the Lord who are coming to learn about Messiah, and Jesus is telling the disciples to seek laborers who will engage with those seekers, tell them the good news about Jesus, and guide them to salvation. However, the circumstances preceding this situation are interesting.

In this chapter - in fact over the course of 16 verses - Jesus has healed two blind me, cast out a demon, healed the of woman who touched his cloak, and raised a young girl back to life. He continues in this work, going from village to village to teaching, but also healing everyone. It is in this context of healing that the crowds form.

It seems consistent in all scripture that 'laborers' are believers willing to proclaim the good news of Jesus and the kingdom of God. However, the great harvest comes about when non-believers actively seek Jesus, due to some attraction ... even an earthly or selfish attraction. This describes this crowd. It is large, but they have come for healing and hope, for they are harassed, helpless, and directionless.

This then describes part of the challenge for the Church. It isn't enough to be laborers declaring the good news if no 'harvest' is there to hear it. It is also necessary to create the crowd in the first place. The world remains in the state of harassment, helplessness, and confusion, so they need to first see and hear about the hope of Jesus that generates their desire to come and see.

Application: One of the best ways I can serve Jesus is by embodying and demonstrating the hope I have in Jesus. Continuing daily without fear - but not condemning others for their fear - is part of this. Actively expressing joy in the future is part of this. Declaring confidence in the direction of the world is part of this.

As believers, we need to understand how to generate a crowd. Certainly some of our events and programs like Alpha do this. How can I do more?

Prayer: Lord, I am a laborer willing to be sent into the harvest. Also please show me how to better plant seed in order to create that plentiful harvest for your glory, your purposes, and your great name. Amen.