Question 1

What does it mean that Jesus was moved with compassion for the multitudes?

Accepted Answer

When it says Jesus was “moved with compassion,” it means he did not just notice the crowds; he felt their misery deeply. He saw people who were spiritually tired, confused, and badly taught. They were like sheep with no real shepherd to feed or protect them. His heart went out to them in their pain and lostness. This verse shows that Jesus cares about both our bodies and our souls, and that he is not cold or distant, but feels for people who are wandering and burdened.

Question 2

What does the phrase sheep having no shepherd mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

“Sheep having no shepherd” is a picture of people who have no true spiritual guide. The people had religious leaders, but they were not caring for them well. They were weighed down by man-made rules and left without clear teaching about God’s grace and kingdom. Like sheep without a shepherd, they were scattered, weak, and in danger. Jesus is pointing out their need for real, faithful care that leads them to God, and he himself is the good shepherd who comes to gather and protect them.

Question 3

What does the harvest is plenteous but the labourers are few mean?

Accepted Answer

The “harvest” picture means there are many people ready to hear and receive the good news about God’s kingdom. The problem is not a lack of people, but a lack of faithful workers to bring them the message. “Labourers” are those who teach, preach, and care for souls in a serious, hard-working way. Jesus is saying there is a large amount of spiritual work to do, but few who are truly willing and fitted to do it. This shows both the opportunity and the need in God’s work.

Question 4

Who is the Lord of the harvest that Jesus tells them to pray to?

Accepted Answer

The “Lord of the harvest” is God, who owns the harvest and rules over it. All people who will be brought into his kingdom belong to him, and he is the one who decides when and how they will be gathered. Some readers see this as speaking of the Father, others see it as including Jesus himself, since he sends workers too. Either way, the point is clear: only God can raise up, equip, and send out true workers. That is why Jesus tells his disciples to pray to him.

Question 5

Why does Jesus tell the disciples to pray for more labourers instead of just sending them?

Accepted Answer

Jesus could simply send workers, but he first tells the disciples to pray. This teaches them that the need for good workers is God’s concern before it is theirs. It also shows that no one makes themselves a true minister; God must call, gift, and send them. By praying, the disciples learn to depend on God’s power, not their own plans. Their prayer also prepares their own hearts, because some of those who pray will themselves be sent out to serve in the harvest.

Question 6

How does this passage show God’s care for people who feel lost or spiritually tired?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that when Jesus looks at people who are worn out and confused, he is not annoyed with them; he has compassion. He sees their broken guidance, their heavy burdens, and their wandering, and he compares them to sheep without a shepherd. He responds by teaching, preaching good news, healing, and then calling for more workers. If you feel spiritually tired or unsure, this passage says you are not ignored. God sees, cares, and acts to bring you truth and care.

Question 7

What kind of workers in God’s harvest is this passage talking about?

Accepted Answer

The “labourers” in this passage are people God sends to serve others with his word. They teach, preach the good news of the kingdom, and care for souls. The picture of a worker in a field reminds us that this service is hard work, not a lazy or selfish role. These are not people who simply hold a title, but those who give themselves to prayer, study, and patient care so that others can know God and grow. Their task is to gather God’s people through the message of the gospel.

Question 8

How can believers today respond to Jesus’ words about the harvest and labourers?

Accepted Answer

Believers today can respond in at least two ways. First, they can obey Jesus’ command to pray that God would send out more faithful workers. That means regularly asking God to raise up men and women who truly love him and are ready to serve others with his word. Second, they can be willing to be part of the answer to that prayer, whether as pastors, teachers, missionaries, or in other forms of service. Even if they are not formal leaders, they can support and encourage those who are.

Matthew 9:35

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.

The Lord of the Harvest

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Matthew 9:35

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.

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The Lord of the Harvest

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